FIFA's chief of football development Arsene Wenger has spoken about the controversy surrounding the hydration breaks that were introduced at this year's World Cup. The measures were originally brought in to protect players from extreme heat, but they have sparked a wave of criticism from supporters, athletes and analysts alike.
A divided response
Wenger acknowledged the mixed reactions, noting that statistical analysis shows the pauses have not altered the final outcomes of matches. He pointed out that the new medical intervention rule, which requires a player to leave the pitch for one minute when seeking treatment, has already reduced the average number of interventions from 2.3 per match in 2022 to 1.6 in this tournament.
Fans and players have expressed dissatisfaction, especially in cooler or air‑conditioned stadiums where the breaks feel unnecessary. Cesar Espino, a football fan in Washington, DC, criticized the interruptions for disrupting the game's momentum and questioned their true purpose.
Critics have speculated that the breaks may have been introduced, at least in part, to give broadcasters a window for commercials. The concern is that the pauses could be reshaping the dynamics of the sport, altering rhythms that fans have come to expect.
FIFA says it will continue to analyze the data collected throughout the tournament before deciding whether to keep the hydration breaks in future editions. The organization remains committed to player welfare while also weighing the sport's competitive and commercial implications.