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FIFA has warned it is posing a risk to fans' health, after it announced a bottle ban at this summer's World Cup. Fans will not be allowed to bring reusable water bottles into football stadiums, a policy change FIFA said was for security reasons. The official Stadium Code of Conduct previously stated, "To be clear, empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles, up to (1 liter capacity) may be brought into the stadium." But seven days before the start of the tournament, on June 11, bottles, cups, jars and cans are banned, FIFA said, to reduce the risk of them being used as throwable objects by fans. "FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff," soccer's world governing body said in a statement. Fans can buy water in the stadium and FIFA has promised that water will not be sold outside the stadium's normal price list. But experts criticized the policy change as it would increase the risk of heat-related health problems. According to them, this policy will limit the opportunities for non-game fans to quench their thirst while taking a stand. Last May, scientists warned that FIFA's heat protection measures for the tournament were "inadequate", with temperatures expected to exceed dangerous limits at 16 of the 14 host venues. "FIFA is working closely with host city committees and local authorities to ensure fans travel to stadiums to minimize the impact of the heat," the statement said. "Within the size of the stadium, water bottle prices for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be kept at par with other events." The change in policy was described as a "surprise, overdue change" by England fans' organization the Free Lions. "All our discussions were on free water availability at the stadium, and we were convinced that FIFA would guarantee that fans could bring their own water," they said. They added, "It will come to everyone's mind that this is another decision made from an economic point of view. It is necessary to ensure that the way water is available inside the stadium, whether it is available at a cheap price or free." There is no definite information about whether there will be free water inside the field or not. In the last World Cup in Qatar, bottles were not allowed when entering the stadium. The 2026 World Cup has introduced hydration breaks for 3 minutes per match as a guideline for fans to stay safe when entering stadiums. But experts who have studied the health risks of fans due to the effects of hot weather believe that the health of fans should be given more importance than the health of players.