FIFA broke one of the laws of football during the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, as the half-time interval lasted 27 minutes instead of the permitted 15.
Breach of IFAB Rules
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) rules state that players are entitled to a half-time interval not exceeding 15 minutes. However, the second half resumed 27 minutes after the first period ended, according to reports.
The extended break was due to a half-time show curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, featuring performances by Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS, and Madonna on the pitch. The actual show lasted 11 minutes, but installation of the stage took seven minutes and removal and pitch clearing took approximately the same amount of time.
First of Its Kind at a World Cup
While such performances are common at major US sporting events like the Super Bowl, this was the first time a half-time show of this scale was held during a World Cup. The match itself was marked by controversy over the theatrics, with former England striker Wayne Rooney reportedly slamming the show and leaving BBC pundits astounded.
Donald Trump, the US President, was also reportedly booed at the event, adding to the drama surrounding the final.
