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World Cup hydration breaks purely sporting, not commercial-Infantino

From Ghanaian Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the introduction of mandatory three-minute hydration breaks during World Cup matches, stating they are purely for sporting reasons and not commercial.
  • Critics argue the breaks disrupt game momentum and create additional advertising opportunities, but Infantino insists FIFA gains no extra revenue as commercial deals were pre-signed.
  • Infantino emphasized the breaks are crucial for player rest over the tournament's duration and ensure all teams play under the same conditions, regardless of temperature variations.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has firmly defended the implementation of mandatory hydration breaks during the World Cup, asserting that the decision is driven solely by sporting considerations and not by commercial interests.

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.

— Gianni InfantinoFIFA President Gianni Infantino defends the hydration breaks, stating they are not financially motivated.

The three-minute breaks, occurring in the 22nd and 67th minutes of every match, have faced criticism from players, coaches, and fans since the tournament began. Introduced to help players cope with the high temperatures in North America, these stoppages have also provided additional advertising slots for broadcasters, fueling debate about their impact on the game's flow and integrity.

"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," Infantino stated. Critics, including England manager Thomas Tuchel and Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa, argue that these breaks disrupt match momentum and fundamentally alter the game's identity. Some viewers have also complained about being exposed to commercials during these stoppages.

The main reason is the heat, but we also have to understand that in a competition like the FIFA World Cup, played over 39 days, with teams potentially playing eight matches in those 39 days, having a moment to rest is extremely important.

— Gianni InfantinoInfantino explains the importance of hydration breaks for player rest during the demanding tournament schedule.

Infantino countered these concerns by highlighting the importance of player welfare and competitive balance. "The main reason is the heat, but we also have to understand that in a competition like the FIFA World Cup, played over 39 days, with teams potentially playing eight matches in those 39 days, having a moment to rest is extremely important," he said. He also stressed the need for uniform playing conditions, stating, "What matters even more to us is ensuring that all teams, in every match, are playing under the same conditions." Infantino added that the breaks have not diminished the intensity of matches, suggesting players maintain a high performance level throughout.

What matters even more to us is ensuring that all teams, in every match, are playing under the same conditions.

— Gianni InfantinoInfantino emphasizes the role of hydration breaks in maintaining fair competition.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ghanaian Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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