Starmer demands FIFA reverse World Cup water bottle ban, calling it a 'money grab'

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned FIFA’s decision to ban reusable water bottles from World Cup 2026 stadiums, describing the policy as “just wrong” and driven by profit rather than safety. The football governing body reversed its own guidance this week, having previously stated that empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles of up to one litre were permitted inside venues.

FIFA’s updated policy now states that “reusable water bottles are no longer permitted at the FIFA World Cup stadiums” — a significant shift ahead of a tournament that kicks off on 11 June across the United States, Canada and Mexico, where high summer temperatures are expected.

Speaking to LBC, Starmer was direct in his assessment. “It’s just wrong. And I can’t help but think that it’s about making money,” he said. “So you can’t bring plastic bottles in but you can buy a bottle of water when you get in the crowd? And then it’ll be expensive. The tickets themselves cost a fortune, far too expensive in my view.”

Starmer also called on FIFA to reconsider, saying: “Think about it. Think of the fans. They are football fans from all sorts of backgrounds across our country, across the world. They’re already spending a fortune getting there. They’ve got to pay a lot for tickets, too much in my book. Don’t impose further costs on them.”

FIFA defended the change on safety grounds. In a statement, a spokesperson said: “FIFA made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees. Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations and FIFA is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums.”

The governing body added that heat mitigation measures — including misting stations, hydration stations, and cooling tents — would be available around stadium perimeters, and that water pricing inside venues “will remain consistent with other events held at each stadium.”

Starmer is not the only political figure to push back on the decision. Toronto mayor Olivia Chow has also publicly criticised FIFA over the policy change, reflecting growing pressure on the organisation from host-country officials ahead of the tournament.