Gary Neville and Roy Keane urge FIFA to act on World Cup hydration breaks
Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Ian Wright have called on FIFA to intervene over the controversial use of hydration breaks during World Cup matches.
The protocol was initially introduced at the Club World Cup to protect player welfare amid sweltering temperatures across North America.
However, the pause in play has increasingly drawn criticism for evolving into an unofficial tactical timeout and commercial opportunity.
Matches are now effectively being divided into four 25-minute quarters, drawing unwelcome comparisons to North American sports like the NFL and NBA.
‘Mini-half-time’ frustrating players
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk expressed his displeasure with the fragmented format following his nation’s recent 2-2 draw with Japan.
Spectators and pundits alike have also voiced frustration that broadcasters are using the stoppage to squeeze in additional television commercials.
Speaking on The Overlap, former Manchester United defender Neville insisted world football’s governing body must stamp out the blatant misuse of the rule.
“I think FIFA are going to have to act quite quickly now.”
Gary Neville
The former England full-back argued that coaches should be forced to remain on the bench during the designated drinking periods.
Protecting the pace of the game
Neville noted that some managers have even utilised television screens to demonstrate set-piece routines during the three-minute intervals.
Ex-Arsenal striker Wright firmly agreed with his television colleague, rejecting the notion that the commercialisation was subtle by labelling it a blatant advertising grab.
Meanwhile, former Republic of Ireland captain Keane argued that the stoppages severely damage the fundamental appeal of the sport.
The iconic midfielder suggested that the continuous, flowing nature of association football is exactly what keeps fans globally engaged.
“We love football because of the pace of the game. You don’t want to go to the toilet, you might miss something!”
Roy Keane
Keane warned that introducing predictable pauses gives supporters an excuse to turn away from the action, fundamentally altering the traditional viewing experience.
