- BIST10012,151-0.94%
- USD49.220.00%
- EUR55.21+0.28%
- GOLD4,195.90+0.13%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,230-1.72%
- October 13, 202618°
- BIST10012,151-0.94%
- USD49.220.00%
- EUR55.21+0.28%
- GOLD4,195.90+0.13%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,230-1.72%
- October 13, 202618°
FIFA Reverses Ban on Water Bottles at the World Cup
FIFA has withdrawn its decision to ban water bottles in stadiums ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The new regulation will only apply to matches in the US and Canada, allowing fans to bring filled bottles that do not exceed the specified size.
Just days before the start of the 2026 World Cup, tournament organizers have yet to reach a clear consensus on logistical decisions that will directly affect both players and the fans filling the stadiums. Most recently, FIFA was forced to backtrack on its decision to ban fans from bringing water bottles into stadiums.
RULE CHANGED THEN REVERSED AFTER BACKLASH Previously, it was announced that fans would be allowed to bring empty, transparent bottles to refill inside the stadium. However, despite the expected sweltering heat during the tournament, the World Cup organizers abruptly changed their own rules earlier this week.
The rule change stated, "To avoid any doubt; reusable water bottles are prohibited from being brought into the stadium." This decision raised serious concerns about fan safety and health, sparking a wave of backlash. RESPONSE FROM NEW YORK MAYOR
DON'T MAKE THE PROCESS HARDER
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly criticized the decision and called on FIFA for an urgent explanation. Speaking to The Athletic, Mamdani said, "I learned about this on Thursday morning and found it quite worrying. The heat we’re talking about won’t just affect the players; fans will be in the stadium before and after matches, likely exposed to the heat for much longer.
We will engage with FIFA to understand the reasoning behind this decision. We don’t want anyone to skimp on water because of high prices inside the stadium. The goal should be to make the process easier, not harder," he emphasized the seriousness of the situation. FIFA BACKTRACKS Under intense pressure, FIFA effectively "reversed course" and announced that fans would be allowed to bring bottles back into stadiums.
However, there are important details in the new regulation. The bottle allowance currently applies only to stadiums in the US and Canada; no approval has yet been given for matches in Mexico. Additionally, according to the latest update, fans still cannot bring empty bottles; instead, they must enter with a filled bottle that does not exceed the size limit set by the tournament management.
THIS IS JUST A MONEY-MAKING SCHEME
Although FIFA claimed the ban was to "prevent injury risks to players and spectators," this explanation did not resonate with the public. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer sharply criticized FIFA in an LBC radio interview, calling the move a "money trap": "This is definitely the wrong decision. I can’t help but think it’s just about making more money.
So plastic bottles are banned at the entrance, but once you pass the turnstile, you can buy water inside, right? And at exorbitant prices... Tickets themselves are already a fortune, in my opinion, far too expensive." Starmer highlighted the financial burden on football fans and urged FIFA, "I call on FIFA to reconsider this issue. Think about the fans.
Football enthusiasts from all over the world and our country already spend a fortune just to get there. Don’t add extra costs inside. My advice to FIFA is to review your decision once again."
Stay Updated with The Turkiye Times
Subscribe to be informed about special news, developments and announcements. We will keep you informed.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy
