FIFA's commercial hydration breaks at World Cup spark fan outrage and change football's rhythm

Summary

The article discusses how FIFA has introduced mandatory hydration breaks during World Cup matches, even when temperatures are not extreme (24°C in Los Angeles). These breaks are primarily driven by commercial interests, allowing television broadcasters to air advertisements. The breaks have sparked criticism from fans and former players like Alexi Lalas, who sarcastically compared soccer to American football by using terms like "first quarter." The article argues that these interruptions are changing the nature of football and prioritizing commercial revenue over the flow of the game.