- Fifa has introduced a last-minute ban preventing supporters and volunteers from bringing reusable water bottles into World Cup venues across the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer.
- This decision, made just a week before the tournament, reverses a previous policy that permitted empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles, with Fifa stating the change is to "prevent risk and injury to players and attendees."
- Despite many matches being anticipated in hot weather, fans will now be required to purchase drinking water inside the venues, although Fifa has pledged to provide misting stations, hydration points, and cooling tents around stadiums.
- For the first time, every match at this summer's World Cup will include a three-minute hydration break for players during each half, regardless of the temperature, to help them cope with the heat.
- The England supporters' group, Free Lions, criticised the ban as a "strange, late change”, suggesting it might be a "money-grab" and highlighting that Fifa had previously assured them free water would be available and fans could bring their own bottles.
IN FULL
