Fifa accused of putting fans at risk after unexpected last-minute decision

Fifa have been accused of putting fans at risk after making the last-minute decision to ban reusable water bottles in World Cup stadiums.Football's governing body justified the sudden change by citing safety concerns, specifically the risk of spectators hurling objects onto the pitch.The organisation's stadium code of conduct had previously permitted supporters to carry empty, transparent plastic bottles of up to one litre into the grounds.Cups, jars and cans have also been added to the list of banned items. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say In a statement, Fifa said: Fifa is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff.Fifa works closely with each host city committee and local authorities on heat mitigation factors for fans travelling to the stadium, which can include resources such as misting stations, fans, hydration stations, cooling tents and more around the stadium footprint.Inside the stadium footprint, pricing for water bottles for the Fifa World Cup 2026 will remain consistent with other events held at each stadium.Heat specialists have condemned the reversal, warning that restricting access to personal water supplies will significantly increase the likelihood of heat-related medical emergencies among supporters.LATEST SPORTS NEWSAndoni Iraola arrives on Merseyside to formalise Liverpool moveJose Mourinho launches complaint to European Court of Human Rights over Turkish football fineSerena Williams' doubles partner confirmed for Queen's Club ChampionshipsTheir concerns carry particular weight given research published in May, which concluded that Fifa's preparations for extreme temperatures are insufficient.Dr Theodore Keeping from Imperial College London told the BBC: Allowing fair and equitable access to hydration is a basic first defence against the extreme heat risks climate change is bringing to this World Cup.The Free Lions England fans' group criticised the announcement, describing it as a strange, late change that has caught supporters off guard.In a statement on X, the group wrote: In all of our discussions, free water availability in stadiums was a key one and we were assured by Fifa that this would be the case and that fans will have the ability to bring their own water bottle.Naturally, the immediate thought from supporters is this is just the latest money-grab.Inside the stadium footprint, pricing for water bottles for the Fifa World Cup 2026 will remain consistent with other events held at each stadium.Before the tournament gets underway, widespread protests hit Mexico City, one of the host cities.Demonstrators from Mexico's CNTE teachers' union have torn down giant football sculptures in the capital to voice their anger at the competition.The plastic figures, standing at five metres tall and installed along the tree-lined Paseo de la Reforma avenue to mark the tournament, were dragged to the ground using ropes before being defaced with spray paint.Statues representing Belgium, France and Spain were all brought down by the dissident union members, though protesters deliberately spared the mannequin dressed in Mexico's national kit.Officers present at the scene did not step in to halt the destruction.The tournament is set to kick off on June 11 when the host nation faces South Africa in the opening fixture.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter