FIFA staff question commercial motives behind World Cup water-bottle ban
TL;DR
Internal FIFA discussions reportedly raised concerns that reversing the policy allowing fans to bring water bottles into World Cup venues was influenced by commercial interests, including Coca-Cola sponsorship, rather than safety alone; FIFA says safety and security factors guided the decision, but host cities and officials are pushing back as details emerge.
- FIFA staff concerned fan water-bottle ban was influenced by commercial considerations The New York Times
- ‘A real health risk’: Fifa ban on reusable water bottles sparks anger among fans The Guardian
- FIFA bans fans bringing water bottles into World Cup stadiums ESPN
- World Cup 2026: Heat experts warn 'reckless' Fifa of bottle ban health risk BBC
- What’s banned at World Cup games at Gillette Stadium? Refillable water bottles, for one. The Boston Globe
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