Football / World Cup Countdown: Drinks allowed but confined to touchline

PLAYERS will not be barred from drinking water during World Cup games as some team managers had feared, Fifa, the sport's governing body, said yesterday.

'Players will be allowed to take drinks during matches as long as they stand on the touchline,' Fifa's press officer, Guido Tognoni, said. 'We won't allow drink bottles to be thrown on to the pitch but, of course, we will allow the players to take in fluid.

'It would be stupid not to let them drink in these temperatures. It's very important they do drink.' Jack Charlton, the Republic of Ireland manager, complained that Fifa was banning players from drinking during matches, and his team doctor had warned that a player could die if not allowed to drink.

USA '94 organisers have asked tour operators to give unsold match tickets to charities to avoid games being played in only part- filled stadiums.

The Nigerian squad will arrive in the States today, having had yesterday's departure from Lagos delayed because of visa problems.

Brazilian reporters fought with security guards as post-match interviews degenerated into chaos following Brazil's 4-0 victory over El Salvador in Fresno, California, on Sunday. Kicks and punches were exchanged while other journalists shouted anti-American abuse at the guards outside the dressing room. Fifa is to hold an enquiry.

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