Why is Fifa banning refillable water bottles at World Cup venues?

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Fifa's Rationale for Banning Refillable Water Bottles Remains Unclear Amidst Heat Concerns

Fifa has prohibited fans from bringing refillable water bottles into World Cup venues, a late alteration to their stadium policy. This change, which contradicts earlier guidelines allowing empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles up to one litre, now explicitly states that such bottles are not permitted. The precise reasons behind Fifa's decision to revise these regulations have not been disclosed.
Updated Stadium Code of Conduct

The official stadium code of conduct, which previously permitted empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles with a capacity of up to one litre, has been modified. The updated version, as reported, now includes a clear statement: "For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium." This marks a significant departure from the previous allowance for fans to carry their own empty reusable containers.
Lack of Explicit Justification

Fifa has not provided a specific explanation for this last-minute policy revision concerning refillable water bottles. This change comes shortly before the World Cup is scheduled to commence. Fifa did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the updated guidelines.
Expert Warnings on Heat Risks

The ban on refillable bottles is being implemented despite warnings from experts about potential health risks due to extreme heat at the open-air venues hosting the World Cup. These concerns are amplified by a recent report estimating that a considerable number of matches, specifically 26 out of 104, are likely to be played under conditions where the Wet Bulb Global Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 26 degrees Celsius. The WBGT is a critical metric for assessing heat stress on the human body, taking into account factors such as temperature, humidity, wind, and sunlight.
Precedent at Previous Fifa Event

This restriction on bringing water bottles into venues is not entirely unprecedented for Fifa. At the Fifa Club World Cup held last year in the United States, attendees were also barred from bringing their own water bottles into the stadiums. This occurred during a period when fans reportedly complained of high temperatures, echoing the current concerns about heat during the upcoming World Cup.

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Why is Fifa banning refillable water bottles at World Cup venues?

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