FIFA will “consider keeping hydration breaks for future World Cups” despite backlash to the extra stoppages in play at this year’s tournament. FIFA President Gianni Infantino “defended the decision to introduce breaks” at this World Cup. Infantino said that the breaks “may be providing more entertainment for fans.” He added that FIFA “would analyze what it will do in future tournaments ‘based on this experience.’” But after criticism that the breaks were a stealth way to insert advertising or American-style timeouts, Infantino suggested that the stoppages “have been positive.” The “biggest criticism has been the introduction of hydration breaks for all matches regardless of venue or location.” Infantino also insisted that FIFA was “making no extra money as a result of networks cutting to commercials because contracts had been signed before the decision to introduce hydration breaks” (AP, 6/23).
Infantino defends hydration breaks, leaves door open for future use
