FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the newly implemented mandatory mid-game hydration breaks during the ongoing World Cup, despite facing criticism. Infantino stated the pauses are crucial for ensuring all teams compete under equal conditions in every match. The breaks, introduced in each half, are intended to address concerns about varying weather conditions and player fatigue impacting performance. While details of the criticism weren’t specified, FIFA maintains the initiative prioritizes player welfare and competitive fairness. The move aims to mitigate the impact of heat and humidity, particularly for teams unaccustomed to the Qatari climate. Infantino emphasized that equal playing conditions are paramount to the tournament’s integrity.