After heavy criticism, FIFA is clarifying the truth about the ban on water bottles at the World Cup

FIFA has announced that fans will be allowed to bring tightly closed, single-use plastic water bottles into stadiums. world championshipThis comes amid widespread criticism of an earlier decision to ban reusable bottles.

The game’s governing body had earlier made a late change to its policy banning bottles, along with cups, cans and plates, for safety reasons.

According to the BBC, FIFA has now clarified its current policy, confirming that the ban is limited to rigid reusable bottles only.

“Each spectator may bring a factory-sealed, single-use, flexible plastic water bottle with a capacity of 20 oz (560 ml) into the stadium,” said Heimo Scherji, Executive Director of World Cup Operations.

“What is not allowed are resealable hard water containers, which can pose a safety and security risk,” Sherji added.

The stadium’s official code of conduct previously stated: “To avoid confusion, empty, clear, reusable plastic bottles of up to 1 liter can be brought into the stadium.”

But seven days before the start of the tournament on June 11, FIFA changed that policy, saying the measure would reduce the risk of injury from fans throwing projectiles.

Fans will be able to buy water inside the stadiums, as FIFA has committed to not setting prices above normal stadium prices.

However, heat stress experts have criticized the ban, with one saying it would “clearly increase the risk of heat-related health incidents”.

It is noteworthy that during the last draw of the World Cup held in Qatar, fans were also prohibited from bringing bottles to the stadiums.