‘Hydration break™’: Infantino insists World Cup’s despised feature is purely sporting as player and coach backlash grows (opens original article in a new tab)

FIFA president Gianni Infantino defends hydration breaks at the World Cup as a sporting measure, despite growing backlash from players and coaches over match disruption.

• FIFA president Gianni Infantino defends hydration breaks at the World Cup as purely sporting, not commercial.
• Mandatory three-minute breaks introduced in 22nd and 67th minutes face criticism from players, coaches, and fans for disrupting match flow.
• Infantino claims breaks ensure equal conditions for all teams and maintain performance levels despite heat concerns.