The FIFA World Cup’s maligned hydration breaks once again prompted controversy during the Round of 16 contest between Mexico and Ecuador at Estadio Azteca on Wednesday AEST.
The blockbuster game was delayed by 60 minutes due to thunderstorms in the Mexican capital, with the match pushed back until 8pm local time. Before kick-off, FIFA also announced in a statement on its official website that “no hydration breaks will take place during this match”.
However, fans were left baffled when players retreated for a hydration break in the 25th minute. The temperature was 14 degrees, and it had been raining all day.
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In December last year, FIFA announced that three-minute breaks would occur midway through each half during the World Cup, citing “player welfare” for the decision.
Players struggled with the sweltering temperatures during last year’s Club World Cup in the United States. Previous editions of the World Cup also had drinks breaks, but only when a certain temperature threshold had been met.
The change also allows broadcasters to air additional commercials during the break, boosting their revenues.
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