FIFA have made a number of controversial decisions in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, and their decision to ban football fans from bringing water bottles into stadiums has perhaps been the most controversial of them all.

The sport’s global governing body made the decision despite the extreme heat that is expected in North America over the next month-and-a-half.

Justifying their decision, FIFA said: “FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff. 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.

“FIFA works closely with each host city committee and local authorities on heat mitigation factors for fans travelling to the stadium, which can include resources such as misting stations, fans, hydration stations, cooling tents and more around the stadium footprint.

“Inside the stadium footprint, pricing for water bottles for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will remain consistent with other events held at each stadium.”

Keir Starmer Slams FIFA

FIFA’s decision sparked widespread backlash, with Keir Starmer among the high-profile names that urged them to make a U-turn. The President of the United Kingdom said, per ESPN: “It’s just wrong. And I can’t help but think that it’s about making money.

“I would call on FIFA to just look again at this. 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.”

FIFA Make Partial U-Turn on Water Bottles

FIFA have now partially backtracked on the policy, with specific water bottles now being allowed inside stadiums inside the USA and Canada. A post from the governing body said, per the Independent: “All fans will be permitted to bring in one, soft, plastic, 20 ounces (590ml), factory sealed disposable water bottle into any Fifa World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada.”

2026 World Cup chief operating officer, Heimo Schirgi added: “What is not allowed are hard-sided resealable water containers, which could pose a safety and security risk.”

The new rule does not apply to venues located in Mexico, though.

New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has welcomed FIFA’s U-turn. He told the Athletic: “I’m glad that FIFA decided to reverse this policy and allow water bottles to be brought into World Cup games.

“No one should have to fear being priced out of being hydrated, especially fans who are often waiting for hours before a game in extreme heat.”

The World Cup will begin on June 11, with the winner of the competition being crowned on July 19.

Liverpool have set a clear stance over the future of Rio Ngumoha, according to Fabrizio Romano, as Bayern Munich eye a transfer switch for the young winger.

The 17-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign over the past season, following his switch from the Chelsea academy back in 2014.

Ngumoha made 19 Premier League appearances in his debut campaign, scoring two goals and assisting once, showing plenty of promise and bright sparks during an otherwise difficult season for Liverpool.

While the left-winger hasn’t become a regular starter just yet, there are signs that he could be the future there for the Reds, if he continues on his current trajectory.

However, that has also caught the attention of Bayern Munich.

Liverpool Set Rio Ngumoha Stance

Recent reports have stated that Bayern Munich have shown interest in a move for Ngumoha, outlining the young winger as a potential option in the summer transfer window.

The England youth international was viewed as a potential alternative to Anthony Gordon, after Bayern missed out on the forward to Barcelona in the market.

While Ngumoha is of interest, Liverpool have seemingly responded with defiance, making it clear that the 17-year-old is not available in the transfer window.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have zero intention of negotiating a transfer fee or discussing the possibility of an exit for the winger in the transfer window, something that has been made clear to Bayern Munich.

The decision has been described as one made by the club, with Andoni Iraola yet to get into the details of transfer dealings for his new squad.

With a deal seen as “impossible”, Bayern Munich will need to look elsewhere, while Liverpool can continue planning their future with Ngumoha in mind.

That may also mean making a fresh decision over extending his stay, with a huge choice to be made in the coming months surrounding his deal.

Liverpool Face Ngumoha Contract Decision

Ngumoha only signed his first professional deal back in September of last year, outlining just how quickly the youngster has risen through the ranks at Liverpool.

While it was a clear triumph to agree such a contract, the difficulty is that at 17, he could only agree a three-year deal at most, meaning he is only contracted until 2028.

So, with 18-months left on Ngumoha’s deal, Liverpool may be considering the possibility of extending it further in the coming months, despite only recently signing a contract.

At 18 years old, players can sign contracts above the three-year limit, which is set for academy stars, a milestone that the winger will reach in late August this year.

That may prompt Liverpool to discuss the possibility of offering an extension, to avoid entering the final year next summer that could then result in an awkward transfer standoff.

It remains to be seen just how keen the club’s hierarchy would be to push for such a move, considering how recently a contract was signed, while the player may also consider his options with no rush to extend.

It sets up a long-term decision, but for now, Ngumoha is heading into next season as an important player for the future.

Federico Chiesa appears to have leaked the news that one of his Liverpool teammates is looking to move away from Anfield this summer.

The Italian forward isn’t certain to be at the club when the 2026-27 season starts, having struggled to break into the starting XI under Arne Slot. Andoni Iraola’s appointment signals a new start for everyone at the club, but some players are still expected to move on.

Switching from Slot’s more controlled style to Iraola’s high-intensity football won’t suit everyone at Liverpool. Recent comments made by Chiesa have suggested one long-term Reds star is heading towards the exit.

Federico Chiesa Reveals Liverpool Star’s Transfer Plans

Just days after the new head coach was announced, Chiesa has told Italian media that English midfielder Curtis Jones has asked him about life in Italy. It comes after speculation over a potential move to Inter Milan.

It was no secret that Jones, a boyhood Liverpool fan, wasn’t the biggest fan of Slot. The pair appeared to fall out, leading to the England international seeking a move to Milan in January.

While it didn’t work in the winter transfer window, Chiesa seems to have ‘confirmed’ the Serie A giants are still keen on his colleague. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 28-year-old revealed that Jones has asked him about living in Italy, and said Inter are ‘right to think about him’:

Alisson’s Liverpool Future Cleared Up

Another man in the Reds’ first-team squad who has been linked with a switch to Italy is Brazilian shot-stopper Alisson Becker. The veteran goalkeeper previously spent two years at AS Roma before moving to Anfield in 2018.

Some fans even believed Virgil van Dijk leaked the 33-year-old’s departure in an end-of-season social media post. Alisson was said to be on Juventus’ radar, but Chiesa believes the Brazil international will be staying put.

He told the Italian publication: “Alisson? From what I hear, he’s staying in England: then we’ll see. We’re talking about one of the top five goalkeepers in the world. He’s a fantastic leader, he’s won everything and he makes the difference on the pitch and in the dressing room. I spent a lot of time with him and Mac Allister.”