Infantino denies FIFA profits from World Cup hydration breaks

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has denied claims that the mandatory hydration breaks at the ongoing World Cup were introduced for financial reasons, insisting the regulation is purely a sporting decision.

The new rule has come under criticism from fans and pundits who believe the stoppages interrupt the flow of matches and create additional television advertising opportunities.

Reports had suggested that some commercial slots during United States matches were being sold for as much as $750,000, fuelling accusations that FIFA was using the breaks to increase revenue.

Infantino, however, rejected that claim and said FIFA had not earned extra money from the stoppages.

“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,” Infantino told The Guardian.

The hydration breaks, which are now mandatory in the 22nd and 67th minutes of every match, have been criticised by some players and coaches who believe they disrupt rhythm and momentum.

Infantino said the main reason for the regulation was player welfare in a demanding tournament schedule.

“The main reason is the heat, but we also have to understand that in a competition like the World Cup, played over 39 days, with teams potentially playing eight matches in those 39 days, having a moment to rest is extremely important,” he said.

The FIFA president also argued that making the breaks compulsory in every match ensures fairness across the tournament.

According to him, allowing coaches in some matches to use hydration breaks for tactical adjustments while others do not get the same opportunity would create an imbalance.

Infantino said: “What matters even more to us is ensuring that all teams, in every match, are playing under the same conditions.”

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“It’s very difficult to accept that a coach might have the opportunity to influence a match by making adjustments simply because it’s hotter, while in another match, where the temperature is slightly lower, the same coach doesn’t have the same opportunity.”

FIFA are expected to keep the rule in place for the rest of the tournament, although there are indications that future competitions could take a different approach.

UEFA has already said hydration breaks at Euro 2028 will depend on actual temperature readings rather than being applied automatically in every match.

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