Gianni Infantino gets criticized for ‘changing’ football after his comments on England’s tactical break
After England made a late comeback in their Round of 32 match under Thomas Tuchel’s guidance to edge past DR Congo, FIFA President Gianni Infantino sparked frustration among fans with his comments about hydration breaks.
England fans have been some of the loudest critics of these breaks, unhappy about the longer pauses in play, which they see as favoring American TV ads. Unlike US broadcasters, British channels ITV and BBC chose not to show commercials during the three-minute hydration pauses.
Fans have booed every hydration break in all four matches so far, with even top players like Virgil Van Dijk speaking out against the frequent stops.
But Infantino stands firm on the importance of hydration breaks, saying they’re needed even in air-conditioned stadiums. He explained that with a tournament lasting 39 days and teams possibly playing eight games, these breaks give players a crucial moment to rest.
He said, “What’s even more important is making sure all teams face the same conditions. It wouldn’t be fair if a coach could make changes only because it’s hotter in one game but not in another.”
After England’s win over DR Congo, Infantino praised the breaks again, suggesting they helped Tuchel’s team regroup and push hard in the last 15 minutes.
“England used their hydration breaks well to rest and organize, then scored twice at the end,” he said. “These breaks give players needed time during a tough tournament and give every coach a chance to talk to their team—not just depending on the heat.”
He also called the match a great World Cup game in a fantastic venue.
However, many fans were not happy with his remarks. On social media, fans argued that Infantino is trying to change the game with these breaks and is using England’s match to support his view.
One fan wrote, “If you root for DR Congo, hearing this from the FIFA president is shocking. England looked better after the break, but that’s not how the game should be. Players need to work it out on their own.”
Another added, “So now it’s a hydration plus coaching break? That really changes the sport.”
A third said, “It’s not up to Gianni Infantino to change the game’s rules.”
Whether or not the breaks helped England, it’s clear many fans want football to stay without them.
Looking ahead, hydration breaks will likely be important again when England faces Mexico at the high-altitude Azteca Stadium—a challenge Tuchel has already called ‘impossible’ to overcome.