According to FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsene Wenger, the organization will review the controversial water breaks.
This, Mr Wenger revealed, would be done after the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to an end.
FIFA introduced two three-minute water breaks during every match at the 2026 World Cup, with one break in the middle of each half.
The breaks were applied regardless of weather conditions, including matches played in moderate temperatures and inside stadiums with closed roofs.
FIFA said the measure was introduced to protect players’ health and help them recover during matches.
However, critics argued that the breaks also created additional opportunities to sell advertising space and generate commercial revenue.
Speaking at a press conference on the eve of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, Wenger admitted that the measure introduced during the tournament had not been welcomed by everyone.
“Sometimes people did not like them, and we have to analyze after the World Cup what impact they had,” Wenger said.
“It does not seem to me that it affected the results of the matches, but we are here to serve the fans who watch football, and we will draw our conclusions after the World Cup,” Wenger added.
