No extra revenue for Fifa from hydration breaks - Infantino

Fifa president Gianni Infantino stated on November 20, 2022, that hydration breaks implemented during the World Cup were solely for sporting reasons and did not generate any extra revenue for the organization. Infantino emphasized that these breaks were a necessary measure to ensure player welfare in the prevailing hot conditions in Qatar. The decision to include these breaks was made by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the game's rule-making body, in consultation with Fifa and the local organizing committee. These breaks, typically lasting one to two minutes, were scheduled to occur once in each half of the matches. The introduction of hydration breaks marked a significant adaptation to the tournament's environment, aiming to mitigate the risks of heat-related illnesses among athletes. Infantino's comments aimed to clarify the purpose and financial implications of these breaks amidst public and media attention.