FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly defended the introduction of mandatory hydration breaks at the current World Cup, indicating that the controversial stoppages might become a regular feature in future tournaments. Infantino emphatically denied that FIFA benefits financially from these three-minute pauses, asserting that their primary purpose is to safeguard player welfare amidst demanding conditions.
The breaks, which occur midway through each half, have drawn considerable criticism from various quarters, including players, managers, and fans. Critics argue that the interruptions disrupt the natural rhythm and "identity" of the game. In some host nations, these pauses have been utilised for additional advertising, leading to visible frustration, with spectators in stadiums reportedly booing the stoppages.
Despite the backlash, Infantino maintained that the breaks have had a positive impact on the tournament. Speaking to SNTV, he suggested that they offer coaches an opportunity to strategise and players a brief respite, potentially contributing to the high intensity observed throughout matches. "Maybe it’s also a bit thanks to this little break that the players have and after they can go back on the field and show what they can do," he commented.
Infantino also addressed concerns regarding fairness, explaining why hydration breaks are applied universally, even in air-conditioned stadiums, rather than selectively based on temperature. He argued that implementing breaks only in specific hot matches would unfairly advantage or disadvantage certain teams and coaches. Furthermore, in a statement, he reiterated that FIFA's broadcast contracts were finalised long before the decision to introduce these breaks, underscoring that there is "no additional revenue for FIFA" and that it remains "purely a sporting matter."
The debate surrounding these stoppages highlights a tension between player health considerations and the traditional flow of football. While FIFA champions the welfare aspect, the perceived disruption to the game's spectacle continues to be a point of contention among fans and purists alike.