24 June,2026 05:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Gianni Infantino (File Pic)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the newly introduced hydration breaks during the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, saying that the motive for the breaks is purely 'sporting' and generates 'no additional revenue' for FIFA.
Since the start of the tournament, viewers and players have been experiencing three-minute hydration breaks in each half, with the first break in the 22nd minute and the second in the 67th minute of the match. The breaks have been introduced to help players cope with extreme heat across North America during the World Cup.
However, it has opened up a slot for advertisements for the broadcasters, with many critics calling it a commercial move. Coaches and players have also complained about changes in tactics and momentum after these breaks, pointing out that the match is essentially divided into four quarters.
However, FIFA President Infantino has defended the move, saying in a statement as quoted by Reuters, "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."
England manager Thomas Tuchel was one of the critics of these hydration breaks, saying that it 'interrupts and change the identity of the football match.'
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and Netherlands skipper Virgil van Dijk have supported the intent behind the move, but questioned the need for it in cooler conditions and at air-conditioned venues.
Infantino said that the main reason for the break is heat, but in a tournament as long as the FIFA World Cup, a 'moment of rest' becomes important to players.
"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. What matters even more to us is ensuring that all teams, in every match, are playing under the same conditions," Infantino said.
Infantino added that the breaks have not killed the intensity of matches, suggesting players were able to continue with a high level of performance throughout games.
(With ANI inputs)
