JOHANNESBURG, Jan 31: Spectators will be allowed to take half a litre of water into World Cup matches after organisers relaxed a ban on all forms of liquid refreshment.
“The restriction is now relaxed to allow water in half litre soft plastic unbranded bottles,” said tournament organisers in a statement.
“In addition the ban on deck chairs has been revised to allow spectators to use small camper chairs.
“Restrictions remain on hard cooler-boxes, portable braais (barbecues), deck chairs and beach umbrellas.”
The change has been made following pilot projects earlier in the South African season when World Cup regulations were tested.
Earlier this year, many spectators at a One-day International match in Centurion between South Africa and Sri Lanka left the ground early as temperatures soared into the mid-30s Celsius.
As well as the restriction on liquids, supporters had been prevented from taking beach umbrellas into the stadium, which has open grass banks on two thirds of the ground.
MEDIA SNUB FOR BANGLADESH
A news conference for Bangladesh after their arrival for next month’s World Cup was cancelled on Friday through lack of interest.
“We couldn’t hold a news conference with only one member of the media,” said media liason representative Jos Charle. “It would have been embarrassing for the captain and the coach.”—Reuters