FIFA previously defended the breaks, stating that the use of hydration breaks is part of a focused attempt to ensure the best possible conditions for players, drawing upon the experiences of previous tournaments, including the recently revamped Club World Cup, which took place in the United States last summer. Despite this, the breaks have been criticised as being financially motivated rather than showing genuine care for the participants.
Klopp believes the breaks destroy the organic tempo of the game, comparing the sport to a natural force that is being artificially blocked. “A World Cup match should flow like a river. Instead, we build dams right in the middle so commercials can get through. Football used to be the main event, but now it risks becoming the background music to an advertising show,” he added, describing the breaks as “nothing more than a gilded cage built for sponsors” while being “badged up as a noble sword against the heat.”
