"Fifa says it will include three-minute hydration breaks in each half of every game at next year's World Cup, not just those played in hot weather. The referee will stop the game 22 minutes into each half for players to take drinks, regardless of the temperature, the host country the United States, Canada or Mexico or whether the stadium has a roof and air conditioning."
"The change may also be a hit with broadcasters, since it makes the game schedule more predictable. Fifa said it was first announced when the governing body's chief tournament officer for the 2026 World Cup, Manolo Zubiria, attended a meeting with broadcasters. In the eyes of many fans, coaches and players, the change would, in effect, split games into four quarters resembling games in major US leagues like the NFL, NBA and WNBA."
Fifa will include three-minute hydration breaks in each half of every game at the 2026 World Cup, not only games played in hot weather. Referees will stop play 22 minutes into each half for players to take drinks, regardless of temperature, host country, or whether a stadium has a roof and air conditioning. Referees may exercise flexibility if a stoppage occurs shortly before the 22-minute mark for an injury and will address such situations on the spot. The measure replaces an earlier practice of breaks after 30 minutes above a temperature threshold once set at 32C wet-bulb and follows heat issues at recent tournaments that prompted lower thresholds and more on-field water and towels.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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