ZURICH (AP) – FIFA has announced that there will be three-minute hydration breaks before and after every match at next year’s soccer tournaments. world cupNot just those played in hot climates.
Regardless of the temperature, the host country (U.S., Canada, Mexico), or whether the stadium has a roof or air conditioning, the referee will stop the game 22 minutes into the first half to allow the players to get something to drink.
This change could also be popular with broadcasters as it will make game schedules more predictable. FIFA said the matter was first announced when Manolo Zubirria, the governing body for the 2026 World Cup, attended a meeting with broadcasters.
He suggested that referees may be given some flexibility if the game is stopped just before the final 22 minutes due to injury.
“We will discuss this with the referee on the spot,” Zubirria said.
FIFA said the measure was a “streamlined and simplified version” of its previous practice of providing a break if a certain temperature threshold, set at 32 degrees Celsius (89.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in the wet bulb global temperature system, was exceeded for 30 minutes.
Changes occur after heat and humidity affected Players in action at this year’s Club World Cup in the United States
In that tournament, FIFA reacted Reduce cooling and water cutoff standards and place more water and towels at the edges of the field.
Heat has long been an issue at major soccer tournaments. Amid concerns ahead of the 2014 World Cup, Brazilian courts ordered FIFA could make the recommended breaks mandatory or face fines.
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