FIFA Imposes Controversial Ban on Fans at World Cup, Affecting Netherlands and Others

According to The Athletic, FIFA has, just before the tournament, decided to ban fans from bringing refillable water bottles into stadiums. This comes despite FIFA's code of conduct, issued three weeks prior, stating that supporters would be allowed to bring bottles of up to one liter. However, emails have now reportedly been sent to ticket holders indicating that this code has been amended and such items are no longer permitted.

Other types of bottles are also prohibited from stadiums, with the official reason cited as preventing injuries to players if bottles are thrown. Given FIFA's reputation, this reasoning is likely to be met with considerable skepticism.

At last year's Club World Cup, where heat was also a significant issue for both players and fans, water was sold in stadiums for prices ranging from four to six dollars per bottle. At that time, however, bringing your own bottle was still allowed.

It remains unclear how much water will cost this time around. With high temperatures expected during the tournament, fans cannot go without water. By prohibiting outside water, they will be forced to purchase it inside the stadium, and if thousands of people do so, it will undoubtedly be a goldmine for FIFA.

Dutch fans will also be affected by this ban during the World Cup. Spending hours in the stadium without water hardly seems like an option. For instance, the Netherlands will play their first World Cup match in Dallas on Sunday, June 14th, where temperatures are expected to exceed thirty degrees Celsius.

At the previous World Cup in Qatar, FIFA also made a last-minute change to the rules regarding beverages. As the tournament was held in a predominantly Islamic country, fans feared they wouldn't be allowed to drink alcohol during matches. FIFA maintained for years that it would be permitted, but just days before the tournament began, alcohol was suddenly banned from stadiums.

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