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FIFA has banned fans from bringing refillable water bottles into World Cup venues in a last-minute policy change that will force thirsty supporters to pay for bottled water, The Athletic reported on Wednesday.

As recently as last month, FIFA’s official stadium code of conduct included a clause which read: “For the avoidance of doubt, empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles, up to (1 litre in) capacity, may be brought into the Stadium.”

However, The Athletic reported on Wednesday that those guidelines had now been tweaked to explicitly ban refillable bottles.

“For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium,” an updated stadium code of conduct reads.

In a statement to AFP, a FIFA spokesperson said the rule change was taken on safety grounds, noting that several World Cup venues already barred the use of refillable water bottles.

“FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff,” the statement read.

“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 statement added that misting stations, fans, hydration stations and cooling tents would be available in “the stadium footprint”.

It added that bottled water inside the venue would be sold at prices which “remain consistent with other events held at each stadium.”

The rule change comes despite experts warning fans could face health risks from extreme heat at open-air venues during the World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

A report published by the World Weather Attribution research group last month estimated that 26 of 104 games at the World Cup are likely to be played in conditions where the Wet Bulb Global Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 26 degrees.

WBGT is a measure of heat stress on the human body, which combines temperature, humidity, wind and sunlight.

At last year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where fans complained of searing temperatures, supporters were also barred from bringing water bottles into venues.

https://punchng.com/fifa-bans-refillable-water-bottles-at-world-cup-venues/

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have intercepted a bus conveying three missing children and arrested two suspected child traffickers in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred on Wednesday along Ikot Ekpaw Village, following a distress call from a resident.

This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John.

According to the statement, operatives immediately mobilised to the area and cordoned off entry and exit routes in a coordinated operation.

During a search of a bus with registration number 830 PH, police discovered the three missing children onboard.

The children were rescued unharmed, while two suspects were arrested at the scene.

The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Johnny, 39, from Ikot Itokpo Village in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, and Ifiok Umoh, 28, from Ikot Ikpene Village in Oruk Anam Local Government Area.

The statement read, “On 3rd June, 2026, at about 1900hrs, Operatives of the Command received a distress call through a concerned individual , reporting the abduction of three children along Ikot Ekpaw Village in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.

“Upon receipt of the report, detectives were immediately mobilised, and all strategic entry and exit routes within the area were swiftly cordoned off in a coordinated operation aimed at rescuing the victims and apprehending the perpetrators.

“During the intensive search, operatives intercepted a mini bus. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of the three missing children inside the bus. The children were rescued unharmed, while two suspects were arrested on the spot.”

The statement said the children had been reunited with their families.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Azare, commended the operatives for their professionalism and ordered a discreet investigation to track down other members of the suspected trafficking syndicate.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to combating child trafficking, abduction and other forms of crime in the state.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/885034-suspects-arrested-after-foiled-abduction-of-three-children.html

How did the lawmaker know they are not in Nigeria?