(Image: Paparacy, Shutterstock)
THE Association of Tartan Army Clubs has raised sustainability and health concerns over FIFA’s decision to ban fans from taking reusable water bottles into stadiums at the 2026 World Cup.
Empty, transparent, reusable bottles up to a litre in capacity had previously been permitted at games, but FIFA said the change comes to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees – noting that outside bottles are already prohibited at several host venues.
In a statement, The Association of Tartan Army Clubs said, “The Association of Tartan Army Clubs is extremely disappointed by FIFA’s decision to ban reusable water bottles from stadiums. Throughout months of planning meetings, we were repeatedly told that supporter welfare – and in particular proper hydration in hot conditions – was a priority. Today’s decision directly contradicts those assurances. This was re-enforced to us on a call with Miami Host City organisers just last week.
“Preventing fans from bringing in even an empty reusable bottle is unnecessary, counter‑productive, and places tens of thousands of supporters at risk of dehydration. It also undermines basic sustainability commitments that FIFA themselves have promoted. We urge FIFA to reconsider this decision and allow supporters to bring empty reusable bottles into stadiums so they can access safe drinking water throughout the match. Supporter welfare must come first.”
