FIFA has been forced into a swift U turn over its World Cup water bottle policy after a wave of criticism from supporters groups politicians and public health advocates across three countries

The governing body had quietly updated its stadium regulations to prohibit fans from bringing reusable bottles into any of the 16 venues in the United States Canada and Mexico Instead only beverages purchased inside arenas would have been allowed a move that immediately raised concerns about safety in expected high summer temperatures

The change was justified by FIFA as a security measure with officials arguing that hard objects including bottles could be thrown and used as projectiles The organization said it was acting to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees and stressed its commitment to protecting the health and safety of everyone involved in the tournament

But with forecasts of temperatures above 90 degrees in several host cities fan groups accused FIFA of prioritizing commercial interests over basic welfare English supporters group Free Lions said the decision looked like the latest money grab echoing a widespread belief that the ban would funnel spectators toward expensive drinks sold inside stadiums

Those concessions are dominated by Coca Cola a long standing FIFA sponsor which controls the supply of water sodas and juices at World Cup venues Critics argued that blocking refillable bottles while maintaining exclusive beverage contracts sent a clear message about where the balance of power lay

Political pressure quickly followed New York lawmaker Zohran Mamdani called the policy deeply concerning noting that spectators would be exposed to extreme heat for longer than the players on the field In the United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the move as wrong and about making money adding to the international scrutiny

Facing mounting backlash FIFA announced a revised policy on social media Fans will now be allowed to bring one soft plastic 20 ounce factory sealed disposable water bottle into matches in the United States and Canada Hard sided reusable bottles remain banned under the security rationale

The partial reversal has done little to end the debate over how major sporting events balance safety commercial partnerships and the basic needs of supporters With 104 matches scheduled across North America the handling of something as simple as water has become a test of FIFA’s willingness to listen to the people who fill its stadiums