04/06/2026
FIFA has suddenly banned fans from bringing any reusable or empty water bottles into the 2026 World Cup stadiumsโa shocking rule change that directly benefits official sponsor Coca-Cola and puts fan safety at risk. ๐
โณ The Sudden U-Turn: Just three weeks ago, the official stadium handbook explicitly permitted fans to bring in "empty, transparent, and reusable plastic bottles up to 1-liter capacity." However, FIFA completely deleted this clause in an unannounced update on June 2nd. ๐โ
โ๐ Strict Restrictions: The updated rule now states clearly: "Reusable water bottles are not permitted into the stadiums." The ban extends to any other bottle types under the official reason of avoiding "the risk of causing injuries."
โ๐ธ No Free Refills: This means fans cannot even carry an empty bottle to refill at water fountains inside the grounds. The only way to stay hydrated is to buy pre-packaged bottles from concessions inside the stadiums.
โ๐บ๐ธ The Pricing Threat: At last summer's FIFA Club World Cup in the USA, stadium water bottles were sold at a staggering $4 to $6 each. While new prices haven't been announced, official sponsor Coca-Cola will exclusively sell its Dasani water brand inside. ๐ฅค๐ถ
โ๐คฌ Fans Strike Back: The Football Supporters' Association (FSA) reacted with fury, stating: "Once again, the fan comes last, not first. Heat and humidity pose a real threat to fan safety, and this should have been FIFAโs main focusโnot trying to sell more overpriced water." ๐๏ธ๐ฃ๏ธ
โโ๏ธ The Extreme Heat Risk: A scientific study estimates that 26 out of 104 matches will be played under severe thermal stress (exceeding 26ยฐC), with 5 matches potentially topping 28ยฐC. Open-roof stadiums in cities like Kansas City, Boston, Miami, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and New York are classified as "high-risk" zones. ๐ฅ๐บ๐ธ
โ๐ The Double Standard: While FIFA has protected players and staff with mandatory cooling breaks (3 minutes per half) and fully air-conditioned benches, fans in uncovered stands have been left to face the scorching heatโforced to pay extortionate prices just to stay hydrated. (TheAthleticFC)
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