Infantino denies FIFA profited from World Cup hydration breaks

Gianni Infantino has strongly defended the mandatory three-minute hydration breaks at the World Cup, denying claims they were introduced for financial gain. Fans and pundits have criticised the pauses for disrupting match flow and acting as extra television advertising slots, with reports suggesting some commercial slots during United States fixtures were sold for $750,000.

Infantino rejected the suggestion that FIFA profited from the stoppages, saying: "There is no additional revenue for FIFA, as all commercial agreements were signed well in advance. So, this is not a financial issue for us. For us, it is purely a sporting matter." Players and coaches have complained the stop-start nature disrupts rhythm and momentum, but Infantino stressed the breaks are centered on player welfare.

United States

gianni infantino, fifa, hydration breaks, world cup, player welfare, match flow, commercial slots, television advertising, united states, coaches