FIFA ‘to extend’ World Cup final half-time to 25-30 minutes | OneFootball

FIFA will change the usual match regulations so the World Cup final half-time lasts around 25 to 30 minutes to host a large-scale show, although this has not been confirmed officially. It is a change Spain do not particularly welcome.

The Times reports that the line-up includes Justin Bieber, Shakira, Madonna, BTS, Burna Boy and Coldplay, split between a pre-match show and the interval, which could disrupt warm-up routines. The report also says the designated referee must sign off the extended break.

At the last Club World Cup, FIFA staged a show that pushed half-time to 24 minutes, drawing criticism from spectators and from Chelsea and PSG, the clubs involved. That match was already tilted at the interval, with Chelsea three goals up.

Heimo Schirgi, the tournament’s chief operating officer, said a major closing ceremony will reflect the spirit of the openings across Canada, Mexico and the United States, bringing together music, culture and football before the final begins.

Spain, who often set a high tempo through long spells of possession, may see the extended break influence the result and in-game changes, because players would have more time to recover, in what is presented as a clear breach of football regulations. FIFA will set out the event and rule change in the coming days, a move certain to stir debate akin to hydration breaks, which have lengthened matches while benefiting FIFA commercially through added advertising.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo