- Sir Keir Starmer has sharply criticised Fifa's decision to prohibit fans from bringing refillable water bottles into World Cup stadiums, branding the move "wrong" and motivated by money.
- Fifa's updated code of conduct, issued on 2 June, reversed a previous policy that allowed empty, transparent, reusable bottles of up to one litre capacity, now banning them entirely.
- Starmer suggested the ban is a tactic to force fans to purchase expensive bottled water inside the venues, adding to already high ticket costs, and urged FIFA to reconsider for the sake of supporters.
- The football governing body stated the ban aims to "prevent risk and injury to players and attendees”, despite previous concerns from fan groups and scientific experts about spectator welfare in extreme heat.
- The Free Lions England fan embassy and other groups have also condemned the decision, viewing it as a "money-grab" and questioning the rationale given the hot conditions expected at the stadiums.
IN FULL
