Infantino defends hydration breaks.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the implementation of hydration breaks during World Cup matches, emphasizing that the goal is to protect players and maintain their physical readiness, denying any connection to commercial or advertising gains.

Infantino's statements came on Wednesday after rising criticism directed at the mandatory three-minute breaks that occur at the 22nd and 67th minutes of each match. Critics argued that these breaks disrupt the flow of the game and provide broadcasting networks with additional advertising space.

The FIFA president stated that all commercial agreements related to the tournament were made in advance, adding that the breaks do not generate any additional revenue for FIFA, and that the motivation behind them is "purely athletic."

Infantino considered that the high temperatures in some areas of North America were the main reason for adopting this measure, noting that the pressure of matches during the tournament necessitates giving players a short opportunity to catch their breath and maintain performance levels.

In contrast, England's coach Thomas Tuchel criticized these breaks, arguing that they disrupt the rhythm of the match and affect the nature of the game, while Uruguay's coach Marcelo Bielsa believed that dividing the match into shorter periods detracts from the essence of football.

Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk expressed understanding for the idea of breaks in hot weather, while questioning their necessity during matches held in moderate climatic conditions or inside covered stadiums.

Infantino confirmed that available data does not indicate a decline in performance levels or a decrease in the pace of matches due to hydration breaks, stressing that FIFA aims to ensure that all teams play their matches under similar conditions throughout the tournament.