For the first time at a FIFA World Cup™, hydration breaks have been introduced at all matches. The breaks take place in the 22nd and 67th minutes and last three minutes, which are added on to the stoppage time at the end of each half. FIFA President Gianni Infantino explained today: “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. And it’s very difficult to accept that a coach might have the opportunity to influence a match by making adjustments simply because it’s hotter, while in another match, where the temperature is slightly lower, the same coach doesn’t have the same opportunity. We want to ensure equal conditions for everyone, and that’s why these breaks are implemented in every match.” Mr Infantino said that FIFA gains “absolutely nothing” from the breaks. “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.” Read more here ➡️ inside.fifa.com/organisation/p…
