The World Cup final is just days away, but it looks like there will be major changes to the showpiece schedule.
FIFA has made another controversial decision (Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)
The half-time interval for the World Cup final is expected to be a whopping 30 minutes. FIFA has introduced a Super Bowl halftime show-style event that takes place during breaks in games.
Justin Bieber and Shakira are also scheduled to perform at this extravagant show. The BBC and ITV initially did not intend to broadcast the program, instead choosing to focus on highlights and analysis of the first 45 minutes of the match at New York’s MetLife Stadium.
However, now that the break has been extended, it looks like it will be open to the public. The show is expected to last 30 minutes, given FIFA’s history of flouting rules regarding the length of halves.
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In the Club World Cup final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, the half-time interval was extended to 25 minutes. World soccer’s governing body has repeatedly refused to clarify how long the break will be for this year’s World Cup finals.
Soccer’s law-making body, the International FA Board (IFAB), rejected a request from South American federation CONMEBOL to extend the half-time break to 25 minutes, citing “the negative impact that a prolonged suspension of action would have on the health and safety of players.” This half-time event appears certain to replace the 15-minute limit set by IFAB.
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The news also did not go down well with many England fans, who wanted the Three Lions to beat Argentina and reach the final for the first time since 1966.
Three Lions fan Phil Soloff, 61, was furious at the news, telling Mirror Football: “Half-time is a joke. How can FIFA change the rules of the game like that?”
Shakira performing at the World Cup opening ceremony (Image: AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
“Half-time is 15 minutes. It’s the same in all soccer matches around the world. If you happen to go a minute or two over, no one will care. But this is prohibited. It’s a disgrace.”
A FIFA spokesperson said: “Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and BTS will co-headline the historic FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show. The performance will be curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and will be broadcast live to millions of fans around the world.”
Tuchel could become England’s first men’s manager since Sir Alf Ramsey, who led the Three Lions to the World Cup final (Image: The FA via Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel’s side are currently preparing to face the defending champions in Atlanta. This will be the first time the two countries will face each other in a World Cup since the 2002 World Cup.
Not only will it be a return to the rivalry that brought moments like Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal and David Beckham’s fiery red card in 1998, but it will also be the first time Lionel Messi will play against England in any capacity. The matchup at Atlanta Stadium will kick off on Wednesday, July 15th at 8:00 p.m.
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