"Purely a sporting matter": FIFA President Infantino defends WC2026 hydration breaks
Zurich, June 24
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 produces "no additional revenue" for FIFA, as all the commercial agreements were signed well in advance.
Since the start of the tournament, viewers and players have been experiencing a new normal during the tournament, three minutes 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.
However, it has opened up a slot for advertisements for the broadcasters, with many critics slamming it as a commercial move. Coaches and experts have also complained about changes in tactics and game momentum after these breaks, pointing out that the match is essentially divided into four quarters.
However, 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", while Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa also pointed out that dividing the game into shorter chunks takes away the fundamental characteristic of the sport.
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 covered, 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.
"It is very difficult to accept that a coach might have the opportunity to influence a match by making adjustments simply because it is hotter, while in another match, where the temperature is slightly lower, the same coach does not have the same opportunity," he continued.
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.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm not convinced. The timing is too convenient - 22nd and 67th minutes? That's exactly when broadcasters can maximize ad revenue. And Infantino saying "no additional revenue" is like saying weather doesn't affect a chaiwallah's business! 🤔 If it's about heat, why not just let the referee decide when to stop, like in cricket? This feels like corporate FIFA finding another way to monetize the beautiful game.
Living in Mumbai, I fully understand the heat issue. But why not make it conditional? When it's 30°C outside, fine. But in air-conditioned stadiums or cooler evening matches, do we really need it? That's where Tuchel and Van Dijk have a point. Also, as someone who loves tactical football, these breaks completely kill the rhythm. Spain vs Germany would have been different without that artificial pause.
As an Indian who grew up playing football on concrete grounds in 40°C heat, I say bring it on! Our players die of heat stroke every summer. The European perspective is different because their climate is mild. But Infantino's argument about "equal conditions" is weak - some matches will be in domed stadiums, some outdoors, so it's never equal. Better to let referees use discretion based on temperature.
Yaar, I'm a die-hard football fan since childhood, and this is breaking the game into four quarters! Why not just have a mandatory water break when the temperature crosses a threshold? Infantino's claim of "no revenue" is hard to swallow - FIFA always finds a way to make money, like how our politicians promise development before elections. 😅 Player safety is important, but don't insult our intelligence.
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