Former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund head coach Jürgen Klopp has sharply criticized FIFA's policy for the 2026 World Cup. The German specialist believes that mandatory cooling breaks during matches harm the game itself and serve the interests of advertisers more than those of the players.
In an interview with the German television channel ZDF, Klopp questioned FIFA's decision to maintain the practice of special breaks in matches held in high temperatures.
This rule was first introduced at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. According to the regulations, the referee can stop the game for about three minutes if the temperature reaches or exceeds 32 degrees Celsius. FIFA explains this measure as a concern for the health and safety of players.
However, Klopp believes that behind the good intentions lie entirely different interests.
"Football has become a hostage to executives who make decisions in air-conditioned offices," the coach stated. He was particularly harsh about the role of commerce in modern football.
"These breaks are presented as a concern for the well-being of players and a noble protection against the heat. But in reality, this is a golden cage built for sponsors," Klopp said.
According to the German specialist, the additional stoppages destroy the natural rhythm of the match and change the very nature of football.
"A World Cup match should flow like a river. Instead, we are building dams in the middle of the game so that advertising blocks can pass through them," he noted. Klopp warned that excessive commercialization could harm the very spirit of football.
"Once, football was the main event. Now there is a risk that it will turn into mere background music for an advertising show," the coach added.
Despite the criticism, FIFA has no intention of abandoning this practice. The organization has already confirmed that cooling breaks will remain part of the regulations for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The topic is generating increasing debate among fans and experts. On one hand, high temperatures can indeed pose a danger to athletes. On the other hand, many believe that the increasingly frequent stoppages and commercial integrations are changing the face of football, which has always been valued for its continuity and dynamics.
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