Toronto officials, advocates criticize FIFA reusable bottle ban in World Cup stadiums

Toronto environmental advocates and local officials are criticizing FIFA’s move to ban reusable water bottles from World Cup stadiums and calling on the city to push back.

The sports body changed its stadium code of conduct to prohibit bottles, cups and other receptacles after its previous policy had allowed refillable bottles inside.

FIFA says in a statement today the decision aims to “prevent risk and injury to players and attendees,” noting that outside bottles were already prohibited at several of the stadiums.

It said it’s working with host cities and local authorities on heat mitigation measures such as hydration stations and cooling tents, and pricing for water bottles at the games “will remain consistent with other events” at each venue.

The Toronto Environmental Alliance says the move is “short-sighted and environmentally harmful” as reusable bottles keep fans safe during hot summer days and reduce single-use plastic items.

Meanwhile, Toronto Coun. Josh Matlow calls the ban “greedy and unreasonable” and says he’ll be asking city officials to push back.