Fifa has been accused of prioritising revenue over fan safety after banning reusable water bottles from World Cup stadiums, a decision that has sparked outrage among supporters' groups. The governing body reversed its earlier guidance that empty, transparent, reusable bottles would be allowed, citing risks to players and attendees.
Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe, described the ban as a real health risk, noting that heatstroke incidents are rising in European stadiums. 'The more you complicate access to water, the more the risk of serious heatstroke and dehydration,' he said, accusing Fifa of prioritising revenue over health.
Fifa defended the decision, stating it was 'prioritising safety and security' and that outside bottles are already prohibited at several venues. However, fans were allowed to take water bottles to the Club World Cup in the US last summer, and Fifa had initially planned the same for this year's tournament.
Evain questioned the security argument, calling it 'hard to believe' given the previous allowance. He expressed concern that water prices inside stadiums remain unpublished, potentially forcing fans to pay high costs or go without. The England supporters' group Free Lions sarcastically asked if sun cream would be banned next, criticising the late change.
