Fifa president Gianni Infantino responds to criticism of World Cup hydration breaks

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleFifa is considering making hydration breaks a permanent fixture in future World Cups, despite significant fan backlash and criticism during this year's tournament. Fifa president Gianni Infantino defended the introduction of the stoppages, suggesting they could enhance fan entertainment by allowing players to maintain high intensity throughout matches. Infantino dismissed claims that the breaks were a covert method for advertising or American-style timeouts, asserting that all advertising contracts were finalised before their implementation. He justified the universal application of hydration breaks, even in air-conditioned stadiums, on grounds of sporting equity to prevent giving an advantage or disadvantage to certain teams or coaches. Despite the tournament's high entertainment value, the breaks, typically occurring around the 22-minute mark of each half, have frequently been met with loud jeers from spectators. In fullFifa weighs up keeping hydration breaks for future World Cups despite fan backlashThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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