World Cup TV rights holders are growing increasingly frustrated at Fifa’s failure to confirm the length of the half-time show at next month’s final. The show, featuring Madonna, Shakira and K-pop band BTS, is set to be the first half-time spectacle at a World Cup final, curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
Sources at several rights holders told the Guardian that multiple requests for clarity on the half-time duration have gone unanswered, causing problems for commercial broadcasters with advertising inventory to sell. One source said they were planning on the musical production lasting 12 to 15 minutes, but concerns are mounting that the interval could stretch to 25 or 30 minutes due to stage setup and removal.
The laws of the game, overseen by the International Football Association Board, state that players are entitled to a half-time interval not exceeding 15 minutes, which can only be altered with the referee’s permission. Fifa declined to confirm the length, with one source describing the situation as fluid.
The governing body has significantly increased pre-match entertainment at this World Cup, catering to the American market. The first games in each host country will feature opening ceremonies, with Shakira and Burna Boy headlining a show before Mexico face South Africa in the Azteca Stadium.
