The clear bag law in World Cup stadiums shocks some fans

Fans flocking to the stadiums to attend the FIFA World Cup matches were shocked to discover that they could not take their large bags or backpacks with them, due to the transparent bag policy implemented for security reasons.

Many find themselves rushing to take their belongings out of their own bags and transfer them to transparent plastic bags. For this reason, most stadiums are surrounded by a group of street vendors who sell these transparent bags for usually about $20.

Ethan Magda (19 years old), one of the fans coming from Arizona State, who was at the Los Angeles Stadium, said, “I was shocked by this surprise and was astonished by it. I bought my ticket about two months ago, and I browsed the website… I looked for the reasons that prevent me from bringing in some things. It is clear that I cannot bring in knives, firearms, and things like that, and this is self-evident, but the website did not mention anything related to transparent bags.”

Fans coming from countries outside the United States and Europe feel the same confusion, as they do not usually face this kind of rules that require them to bring their belongings in transparent bags.

Taiwanese Ken Sun (27 years old), who was receiving his small gray bag from a paid locker, said, “I did not know that we could not bring this bag. I think this bag is very small, so I am really surprised that I was not allowed to bring it into the stadium.”

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) clarified the rule for transparent bags. It is the most prominent issue listed on his World Cup fan safety and support page. As for those in the know, including most Americans who have attended matches in stadiums in recent years, it does not seem controversial. Some of them told Reuters that they feel safer and that security inspection queues move faster thanks to this rule.

Adrienne Napolitano (16 years old) said, “I think it is really safe, given the number of shooting incidents and the many problems that occur. Although you may have to buy your own bag, this ensures the safety of everyone inside the stadium, you know.”

However, for thousands of fans coming from all over the world, this is their first World Cup experience, and spending extra money to buy a clear bag and paying fees to store their own bags is just another harsh lesson, adding to the cost of the whole experience.