FIFA: Actually you cant bring a water bottle to World Cup

One week from the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, FIFA has banned fans from bringing refillable plastic water bottles into stadiums.Soccer’s governing body is facing backlash after the original rules allowed the bottles if the weather was hot enough.“FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff,” soccer’s governing body told Reuters in a statement.“FIFA made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees.”Free Lions, the English national team’s traveling fan embassy, shared on social media that FIFA promised them access to free water.“In all of our discussions, free water availability in stadiums was a key one and we were assured by FIFA that this would be the case, and that fans will have the ability to bring their own water bottle.

The below graphic was shared,” Free Lions said, sharing an image which indicated that reusable water bottles would be allowed.FIFA said the rule change is, in part, about applying the rules already in place at certain venues — an excuse also used for the absurd ticket prices.Prior to the rule change, FIFA told NPR that in the case of extreme heat, venues would provide “additional cooling capacity, including shaded areas, misting systems, cooling buses, and expanded water distribution.”It is unclear if that is still the case.The weather has been a major talking point in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup after players and coaches complained about the heat throughout last summer’s Club World Cup.“Honestly, the heat is incredible,” Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández said after a match at MetLife Stadium.

“Honestly, I don’t know [how to explain it].”Borussia Dortmund even had its bench players sit in the air-conditioned locker room during a match, instead of roasting on the bench.Conditions for this summer will likely be no different.

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