Fifa hits fans in pocket again, bans reusable water bottles at World Cup despite heat fears
Football bosses claim safety concerns behind last-minute move despite warnings over searing temperatures in Canada, Mexico and the US
Not content with charging fans a fortune just to watch World Cup matches this summer, greedy football bosses have now banned any water bottles being taken into stadiums – opting to hit supporters in the pocket once more.
Fifa claimed safety concerns were behind the last-minute policy change, but having originally said reusable bottles could be brought into venues, the world governing body has now specifically banned them for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
According to a report in The Athletic, the updated stadium code of conduct now says that “for the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium”.
In a statement, a Fifa spokesman said the world governing body made the change 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 statement said.
But not all ban reusable bottles. MetLife Stadium just outside New York, which will host eight matches, including the final, allows fans to bring them in for other events.