FIFA admits hydration breaks may not continue after World Cup criticism
Summary
FIFA introduced three-minute hydration breaks during the World Cup to help players with heat, but some fans were unhappy with the change. Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s head of football development, said the organization is still reviewing the impact of these breaks and has not decided if they will continue after the tournament.Key Facts
- FIFA added a mandatory three-minute hydration break midway through each half at the World Cup.
- This was the first time hydration breaks were used as a fixed rule in the tournament.
- Previously, referees could order short breaks if it was hot, but those lasted about 90 seconds and were not mandatory.
- Some fans disliked the breaks, especially in covered stadiums or cooler weather where the breaks seemed unnecessary.
- FIFA’s Arsene Wenger said there is no clear data yet showing hydration breaks improve the game or player performance.
- Another new rule required players who need medical attention to leave the field for one minute, which reduced medical stoppages during matches.
- Fans have speculated that hydration breaks might be used to create TV commercial time, similar to American sports.
- Some teams lost momentum after the breaks, allowing the opposing team to regroup.
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