England fans warned about little-known law that could cause World Cup carnage | Football | Sport

England fans heading to the World Cup have been warned about a little-known rule that could land them in trouble as soon as they arrive. Around 65,000 fans are expected to travel over from the UK, with the Three Lions and Scotland both taking part.

England’s group stage fixtures are taking place in Dallas, Boston and New Jersey. However, there is a chance that Thomas Tuchel‘s side could play at least one game in Mexico if they reach the knockout stages, which could cause trouble for England fans unaware of a strict rule. Over five million Brits currently vape but those hoping to puff away in Mexico will have to find a different solution. That’s because it is illegal to bring vaping devices or vape liquids into the country.

Customs officials actively scan bags to enforce this rule and those who are caught will face immediate punishment. Bringing a single vaping device into Mexico usually triggers a fine up to 17,000 pesos (around £800).

Meanwhile, those who attempt to sell or distribute vapes in the country can be fined 212,500 pesos (around £9,400) and potentially jailed for up to eight years.

Mexico has some of the strictest vaping laws in the world. The blanket ban was introduced as part of a wider public health campaign aimed at reducing nicotine addiction and protecting young people.

The law also applies to both nicotine and nicotine-free vaping products, meaning any device designed for vaping falls under the ban.

Smoking or vaping in public places can also lead to fines, so fans should not assume they can step outside a bar, stadium or fan zone and vape as they would at home.

Other fans heading to the USA could be caught out by the legal drinking age, which is 21 rather than 18. This means that fans who could legally buy a pint in the UK may not be able to do so at the World Cup.

Jon Fisher, football expert at 101 Great Goals, warned that younger England supporters could easily get caught out if they treat the World Cup like a normal away day.

“This is exactly the kind of thing that can ruin a once-in-a-lifetime trip,” he said. “In England, turning 18 means you can go to the pub, buy a pint and celebrate with your mates.

“In America, that same supporter is still underage, and that can come as a massive shock to young fans travelling for the World Cup.

“Parents, older siblings and mates need to be careful too. Buying a drink for someone who is 19 or 20 might feel completely normal at home, but in the US it can become a serious issue very quickly.

“The World Cup is going to be incredible, but fans have to remember they are travelling across countries where the laws can change from one border, state or venue to the next.

“Mexico is another danger for supporters. The drinking age may be 18, which feels more familiar to British fans, but the rules around vapes are much tougher. Packing a vape because you use one at home could cause problems before you’ve even got out of the airport.

“No England fan wants their tournament story to be missing kick-off because they argued over ID, got refused entry, had something confiscated, or fell foul of a law they didn’t know existed.

“The message is simple: check the rules before you travel, check them again before matchday, and don’t assume that being legal in England means you’re legal at the World Cup.”

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