Fans revolt over World Cup hydration breaks, blasting 'money-making' disruptions
World Cup spectators are booing the newly introduced hydration breaks, with critics accusing organizers of disrupting match flow just to insert more TV advertisements.
DALLAS - Football fans attending World Cup matches are growing increasingly vocal in their displeasure over the controversial hydration breaks, reported German Press Agency..
In the second week of the tournament, boos and whistles could be repeatedly heard when the referee stopped play for three minutes around the 22-minute mark of each half.
On Thursday, there were very audible boos during co-host Canada's 6-0 win over Qatar in Vancouver. Earlier in the day, during the 1-1 draw between the Czech Republic and South Africa in Atlanta, the discontent was also huge.
Fans also made their disapproval clear during Switzerland v Bosnia and Herzegovina, England v Croatia, and Ghana v Panama.
The World Cup novelty effectively turns the two halves into a four-quarter format, one that United States citizens are very familiar with from other sports such as basketball and American football.
This model was created out of concern for the players' physical strain.
However, many observers believe the break is being misused. For TV networks, the water breaks create additional advertising opportunities that are being exploited to the fullest. Critics accuse them of simply trying to make money.
The flow of the match is often noticeably disrupted by the additional breaks. However, some coaches view this as a positive, as it allows them to exert greater influence on the game. - BERNAMA
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