FIFA, the world soccer governing body, has decided to close theroof to eradicate distracting shadows from the structure over the pitch, which are spoiling television images.

On FIFA website, Director of Communications Markus Siegler was quoted, "Experts suggest it will be cooler if we provide shade."

Siegler added that Argentina's game against Serbia and Montenegro on Friday could be played under a closed roof, saying, "We are considering the situation at Gelsenkirchen."

But Joerg Kachelmann, the chief meteorologist for Germany's leading ARD television station, said, "It would be a killer havingthe roof closed above, with the massive crowds inside."

"If they had air conditioning it would be a good idea. But without air conditioning, it would become very hot inside those stadiums," added Kachelmann.

Fans will not be allowed to take plastic bottles containing drinks into the stadiums for security reasons, while FIFA will notsanction water breaks or stoppages during games.

"FIFA is actively encouraging players to drink water, provided by FIFA and handed to the players. But it is not allowed for waterbottles to be thrown on the pitch," said Siegler.