FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the implementation of hydration breaks during matches, acknowledging they could potentially impact game flow. He firmly denied any financial motivation behind the decision, stating FIFA does not benefit economically from the pauses. Infantino addressed concerns that the breaks might reduce match intensity, asserting that the overall pace of play at the World Cup has not diminished. The measure was introduced to protect player welfare in hot conditions. While recognizing a possible influence on game outcomes, Infantino reiterated the priority is player health and safety. The comments come as the hydration breaks have sparked debate among fans and analysts regarding their impact on competitive balance.