Fans will be barred from bringing refillable water bottles into the World Cup's 16 stadiums across North America, including some with limited or no shade from the sun, following a late policy change by football's governing body.
The "Stadium Code of Conduct" update was criticized Thursday by an English fan group, which argued FIFA had given assurances on carrying empty plastic bottles to fill with freely available water at a tournament where heat and extreme weather are expected to be a factor.
"Naturally, the immediate thought from supporters is this is just the latest money grab," the Free Lions fan group said in a statement.
Water, sodas and juices sold at World Cup stadiums are supplied exclusively by long-time FIFA sponsor Coca-Cola when the tournament starts next Thursday.
FIFA's stadium rules had stated that fans could bring in a transparent, reusable bottle up to one liter, or 33.8 oz. capacity.
