FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has revealed that the governing body will consider whether to maintain hydration breaks in future World Cups ‘based on this experience’. The breaks have drawn criticism from fans throughout the current tournament.
The stoppages, which take place midway through each half, have effectively separated matches into quarters and are utilised regardless of weather conditions. Despite being brought in to look after players in hot conditions, the breaks are implemented even in stadiums with closed roofs and air conditioning.
England’s match against Ghana saw frustration as the players were permitted to take on board liquids quickly after another lengthy stoppage in play due to injury. Loud boos were heard in the Boston Stadium as the teams went to the sidelines.
Infantino has rejected claims that the hydration breaks have been a means to introduce greater advertising opportunities, and instead outlined the benefits. “Broadcasters maybe generate more, but for us, we make zero additional revenues,” he said.
“Maybe the coach can reassess certain situations, correct certain mistakes,” he added. “The players get a little rest and come back in full speed. Well, is that bad necessarily? Maybe it’s good.
“And we see as well the intensity of the games. We’ve never seen 90 minutes in a tournament like this played in such an intensity. Until the last second of the match, players attack and so on.
“And maybe, maybe not, but 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.”
The FIFA boss also attempted to explain the reasoning to introduce the breaks as a blanket decision, rather than on a case-by-case basis.
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View 2 ImagesEngland’s Harry Kane during a hydration break
“If we were to use hydration breaks only in those matches where it was too hot and not in the other matches, we would give an advantage or a disadvantage to some of the coaches or some of the teams,” he explained.
“Why would the coach have the opportunity to influence the game in one match just because it’s hot and in another match where it’s a bit less hot, he wouldn’t have this opportunity?”
Former England striker Alan Shearer described the break for the Three Lions match as ‘nonsense’, when it was not allowed to be combined with an earlier stoppage.
He said: “There’s been nearly two minutes [of stoppages] already. It seems crazy for the referee not to just say let’s have the break now. Goodness me.”
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