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FIFA president Gianni Infantino has strongly defended the introduction of mandatory hydration breaks at the World Cup, rejecting suggestions that the governing body implemented these pauses to generate additional revenue. The decision has sparked widespread criticism from fans and analysts who argue that the stoppages disrupt match rhythm and conveniently create extra advertising slots for broadcasters.

Infantino denies commercial motives behind regulation

Infantino has firmly dismissed allegations that the newly introduced three-minute hydration breaks in the 22nd and 67th minutes of matches were designed to boost advertising profits. Reports had indicated that television networks were selling commercial slots for as much as $750,000 during games involving the United States, causing many to suspect that the rule change was financially motivated.

Addressing these claims in an interview with The Guardian, Infantino clarified that FIFA has not financially benefited from the breaks. He stated, “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.”

Managing extreme tournament conditions

Although many players and coaches have expressed frustration that the scheduled pauses interrupt the flow and intensity of matches, Infantino continues to emphasise that the move is primarily aimed at safeguarding player health in a physically demanding tournament. With teams potentially playing up to eight matches over a span of 39 days, fatigue and heat stress have become valid concerns.

Explaining further, Infantino said, “The main reason is the heat, but we also have to understand that in a competition like the World Cup, played over 39 days, with teams potentially playing eight matches in those 39 days, having a moment to rest is extremely important.”

Maintaining fairness and consistency

In addition to protecting players, Infantino argued that the universal enforcement of hydration breaks across all fixtures ensures fairness throughout the competition. He reasoned that allowing breaks only in particularly hot conditions would give certain teams an unfair tactical advantage.

Emphasising this point, Infantino said, “What matters even more to us is ensuring that all teams, in every match, are playing under the same conditions. 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.”

Future of hydration breaks beyond this World Cup

While FIFA has confirmed that these automatic timeouts will remain in place for the rest of the current World Cup, the approach for future tournaments could evolve. UEFA has already announced that for Euro 2028, hydration breaks will depend on real-time temperature readings instead of being mandatory. Whether FIFA will adopt a similar, more flexible guideline in the future remains uncertain.