Fans attending the World Cup will no longer be permitted to bring reusable water bottles into stadiums due to safety concerns, FIFA said Thursday after a late change to its Stadium Code of Conduct.
The governing body, which had previously allowed empty, transparent reusable plastic bottles inside venues, said the updated rules take effect Tuesday and now ban them entirely.
The revised policy also prohibits other containers, including bottles, cups, jars and cans, to reduce the risk of injury from objects that could be 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 policy across its tournament stadiums.”
