Sports Desk – The world football governing body, FIFA, has backtracked on its highly controversial decision to ban spectators from bringing reusable water bottles into stadiums during the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The sudden U-turn comes after a wave of fierce protests from fan groups and top political figures.

The New Bottle Policy

In a social media announcement published on Friday, FIFA revealed its revised guidelines for the tournament.

“For all matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 across the United States and Canada, fans will be permitted to enter with one factory-sealed, single-use soft plastic water bottle up to 590ml in capacity.”

However, the statement added a restriction: “For safety and security reasons, spectators will not be allowed to enter the stadium with reusable water bottles made of hard plastic or metal.”

The Flip-Flop That Sparked Anger

FIFA’s original stadium code of conduct clearly stated that spectators could freely bring in empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles up to one liter in capacity. However, a quiet update to the document last Tuesday completely flipped the rule, declaring that reusable water bottles were strictly prohibited.

At the time, FIFA defended the ban by stating, “FIFA is committed to the health and safety of players, referees, spectators, volunteers, and staff. The decision to ban bottles was made to protect players and fans from any form of risk or injury.”

Accusations of Corporate Greed Amid Heatwaves

The initial ban drew immense flak, especially considering the weather forecasts. Temperatures in many host cities across the US, Mexico, and Canada are expected to hit 32°C (around 90°F) or higher during the tournament.

With such extreme heat looming, the sudden restriction was viewed with heavy suspicion. The long-standing FIFA sponsor, Coca-Cola, holds exclusive rights to sell water, soda, and juice inside the tournament venues, which begin hosting matches this coming Thursday.

English fan group ‘The Free Lions’ blasted the move in a statement, saying, “Naturally, the immediate reaction from fans is that this is simply another trick to squeeze more money out of people.”

Prominent politicians also quickly weighed in. New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani told The Athletic, “Banning reusable water bottles is deeply concerning. The extreme heat we are talking about won’t just affect the players—fans will also be exposed to these intense temperatures for long stretches of time.”

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer also criticized FIFA’s initial decision, calling it “wrong” and labeling it a “money-making tactic.”

Under intense scrutiny from all sides, FIFA ultimately softened its stance to prioritize fan hydration, albeit limiting the permission to smaller, single-use factory-sealed plastic bottles.