FIFA has performed a “last-minute U-turn on its stadium policy” for the World Cup, “no longer allowing supporters to bring water bottles into venues in North America,” according to Crafton & Slater of THE ATHLETIC. Only three weeks ago, FIFA’s official Stadium Code of Conduct included a clause which said: “For the avoidance of doubt, empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles, up to (1 liter in) capacity, may be brought into the Stadium.” According to emails, FIFA have informed “ticket holders that they have updated the code of conduct” and that “reusable water bottles are no longer permitted.” Other types of bottles are “also not permitted, due to the perceived risk of causing injury when thrown.” The ban, however, “will be controversial, as it means fans can no longer even refill an empty bottle at a water fountain or dispenser.” A spokesperson for the Football Supporters’ Association said, “The heat and humidity is a real concern for fans’ welfare, it should be this that is FIFA’s main focus and not the ability to sell more bottled water at inflated prices” (THE ATHLETIC, 6/3).
STAYING HYDRATED: YAHOO SPORTS’ Ryan Young wrote “heat is absolutely expected to be an issue at games throughout the tournament.” The World Weather Attribution, an international research group, said last month that “26 of the 104 World Cup games are likely to be played” when the host city’s Wet Bulb Global Temperature exceeds 78.8°F. At least five games are “likely to be played when WBGT exceeds” 82.4°F, which is “when there’s an increased risk of serious heat illness for players and fans” (YAHOO SPORTS, 6/3). FIFA said that “measures would be in place to deal with the conditions.” A statement said, “FIFA works closely with each Host City Committee and local authorities on heat mitigation factors for fans traveling to the stadium, which can include resources such as misting stations, fans, hydration stations, cooling tents and more around the stadium footprint.” The statement added, “pricing for water bottles for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will remain consistent with other events held at each stadium” (REUTERS, 6/4).
LIGHTNING DELAYS: THE ATHLETIC’s Dan Sheldon wrote World Cup fixtures “could face lengthy delays if they are interrupted by severe weather conditions” as FIFA “does not have a cut-off point in its regulations for calling a match off.” According to U.S. thunderstorm protocol, a fixture taking place at a stadium “must be immediately suspended if lightning or electrical discharge is detected within an eight-mile radius of the venue.” The players are led off the pitch and must “take shelter in their dressing room,” while fans are “evacuated to safe areas inside the venue.” Once a lightning strike has been detected within eight miles, then a “30-minute countdown clock begins.” And if this time passes without any further strikes, then “the match can resume.” However, if there is another lightning strike during that 30-minute window, then the clock is “reset to zero.” This could lead to World Cup fixtures “being delayed for hours.” FIFA “does not have a specific regulation” that stipulates “how long a delay has to last before a match is eventually called off, although they will assess it on a case by case basis” (THE ATHLETIC, 6/3).
