FIFA bans reusable bottles at World Cup venues citing safety concerns

Attendees of the World ⁠Cup will not be allowed to carry reusable water bottles into ​venues due to safety ​concerns, FIFA said on Thursday, following a last-minute change to its Stadium Code of Conduct.
The governing body, which had earlier permitted empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles inside stadiums, said the updated code - effective from Tuesday - now prohibits them.
Other items ⁠like bottles, cups, jars and cans are also banned to ⁠prevent the risk of injury if thrown.
'FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff,' it told ‌Reuters in a statement. 'FIFA made the ​decision to prohibit ⁠bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and ​attendees.'
'Outside bottles are already prohibited ‌at several of these venues for safety considerations and FIFA is applying this consideration across ​its tournament stadiums.'
The move has raised concerns among supporters about coping with heat, with temperatures at a few venues expected to range between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius, as well as access to drinking water inside ‌stadiums.
FIFA said measures would be in place to deal with ​the conditions.
'FIFA works closely with each Host City Committee and local ​authorities ‌on ⁠heat mitigation factors for fans traveling to the stadium, which can include resources such as misting stations, fans, hydration stations, cooling tents ​and more around the stadium footprint,' the statement ⁠said.
'Inside the ​stadium footprint, pricing for water bottles for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will remain consistent with other events held at each stadium.'
The 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, ​will run from June 11 to July 19. The ​tournament will feature 104 matches, up from 64 previously, including an additional knockout round.