FIFA announced that fans are now allowed to bring disposable water bottles into the stadiums in the U.S. and Canada for the upcoming World Cup.
This move is a reversal of a previous rule stating that those bottles were not permitted at the soccer matches.
That rule created a backlash among local government officials, including Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who called it a “money grab.”
She cited health risks such as dehydration during games played in hot weather.
Now, the organization clarifies that people are allowed to bring one bottle each.
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“One soft plastic disposable factory-sealed water bottle up to 20 oz will be permitted,” said FIFA chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi in a video on social media.
However, the ban remains in effect for reusable water bottles.
“What is not allowed are hard-sided reusable water containers which could pose safety and security risks,” Schirgi added.
Toronto and Vancouver will start hosting their first matches on June 12 and June 13.