FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the implementation of mandatory hydration breaks during World Cup matches, stating their primary purpose is player safety and maintaining physical condition. The breaks, lasting three minutes and occurring at specific intervals, have faced increasing criticism. Infantino firmly denied any commercial or advertising motivations behind the pauses, addressing concerns about potential exploitation. He emphasized the breaks are solely focused on protecting athletes, particularly in potentially challenging climate conditions. The decision to include these breaks aims to mitigate risks associated with heat and exertion during matches. This clarification comes after widespread debate regarding the necessity and timing of the interruptions to gameplay.