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FIFA to allow disposable water bottles at World Cup matches after initial ban
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
FIFA announced it will permit fans to bring one soft, plastic, 20-ounce 590ml, factory-sealed disposable water bottle into FIFA World Cup 2026 venues in the USA and Canada. This decision follows an outcry after FIFA initially stated that refillable water bottles would not be allowed, a change from their official stadium code of conduct. World Cup chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi clarified the policy, noting that hard-sided, reusable water bottles remain prohibited for safety and security reasons. FIFA had previously justified the ban on safety grounds, citing concerns about preventing risk and injury to players and attendees, and aligning with existing prohibitions at several venues. Forecasters have warned of potential health risks from extreme heat at open-air venues during the World Cup, with a report estimating that 26 of 104 games could be played in conditions where the Wet Bulb Global Temperature exceeds 26 degrees. FIFA stated that misting stations, fans, hydration stations, and cooling tents would be available, and bottled water inside venues would be sold at prices consistent with other events held at each stadium.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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Must ReadUS President Donald Trump indicated on Friday that Iran still possesses "21, 22 percent" of its missiles. This statement follows a week where Tehran reportedly launched numerous missiles towards neighboring countries, despite an ongoing ceasefire. In an interview with NBC News, Trump mentioned that Iran retains capacity, including missiles and drones, estimating their remaining missile stockpile at 21-22 percent. This figure is an increase from the 18 percent he cited in May, contrasting with his previous claims of having fully dismantled Iran's military capabilities. Separately, Iran's military claimed on Friday to have fired "warning missiles" at two US destroyers in the Gulf of Oman, a claim denied by the US military. Earlier in the week, Kuwait reported intercepting 30 ballistic missiles, attributing them to "heinous Iranian aggression."