FIFA has defended its use of hydration breaks in every World Cup match following heavy criticism during the tournament. The breaks, introduced for the first time at a World Cup, have sparked uproar among fans, with boos heard during England's second group match against Ghana on Tuesday night.
Scrapped Break in France vs Iraq
The controversy intensified after the second-half hydration break was scrapped during France's match against Iraq on Monday, which had been delayed for two hours due to a lightning storm. FIFA reiterated that the cancellation was due to exceptional circumstances and confirmed that hydration breaks will continue in all other matches to ensure fairness.
FIFA Statement and Infantino's Remarks
In a statement posted on social media, FIFA said: “For the first time at a FIFA World Cup, hydration breaks have been introduced at all matches. The breaks take place in the 22nd and 67th minutes and last three minutes, which are added on to the stoppage time at the end of each half.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino dismissed claims that the breaks are primarily for advertising revenue. He stated: “The main reason is the heat, but we also have to understand that in a competition like the World Cup, played over 39 days, with teams potentially playing eight matches, having a moment to rest is extremely important.”
Equal Conditions for All Teams
Infantino emphasised the need for equal conditions: “What matters even more to us is ensuring that all teams, in every match, are playing under the same conditions. And it’s very difficult to accept that a coach might have the opportunity to influence a match by making adjustments simply because it’s hotter, while in another match, where the temperature is slightly lower, the same coach doesn’t have the same opportunity.”
He added: “There is no additional revenue for FIFA, as all commercial agreements were signed well in advance. So, this is not a financial issue for us. For us, it is purely a sporting matter.”
Incident During England vs Ghana
Eyebrows were raised during the England vs Ghana clash when the referee stopped players from taking fluids during a natural stoppage due to a head injury around the 20-minute mark, instead playing for an extra two minutes before pausing for a break.
The hydration breaks are set to continue throughout the remaining group matches and knockout stages, regardless of the circumstances.
