- Fifa 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.
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