FIFA President opens up on ‘Hydration Break’ controversy

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has directly rejected allegations of commercialization surrounding the hydration break introduced at the World Cup. He claimed that FIFA is not getting any additional revenue or commercial benefits from this break. Rather, the decision was taken to maintain a balance between the health of players and competition.
Due to the intense heat of the ongoing World Cup in North America, football’s top governing body FIFA has introduced a three-minute hydration break in both halves of each match. However, as the broadcast creates opportunities for advertising and additional promotion during this break, many have questioned whether there is any commercial purpose behind it.
Infantino said that FIFA is not getting any additional revenue from the hydration break. Because all commercial agreements related to the tournament have already been completed. As a result, no new financial benefit has been created by adding this break. According to the FIFA President, the main goal of this decision is to ensure the physical safety of players. Playing in high temperatures for a long time can increase the health risks of players. Hydration breaks have been made mandatory to reduce that risk.
He also said that in a major event like the World Cup, it is important to give all teams the opportunity to play in a level playing field. If a team faces a particular advantage or disadvantage due to excessive heat in a match, it can undermine the fairness of the competition. That is why the same rules are being applied to all matches.