by Jurgen Klopp has launched a fierce attack on FIFA over the introduction of hydration breaks at this year’s World Cup, arguing they are being used for financial gain rather than player welfare.
The stoppages, introduced midway through each half, give players a short pause to recover in extreme heat, with temperatures at times reaching around 33°C as conditions test player endurance.
However, the breaks have also been used by broadcasters such as FOX to insert commercial advertising, something that is rare in regular football coverage where play is usually shown uninterrupted.
During the opening match of the tournament, FOX drew criticism after extending its ad break to the point where it missed live match action, prompting backlash from viewers.
Klopp, formerly of Liverpool, did not hold back in his assessment of the situation during an appearance on German broadcaster ZDF, as reported by L’Equipe.
“Football is being held hostage by executives ensconced in air-conditioned offices,” he said, criticising what he believes is the commercialisation of the sport.
He described the hydration breaks as being presented as a safeguard for player welfare, but in reality labelled them a “shield” used to justify additional advertising time.
Klopp questioned the purpose of the changes, asking who the tournament is truly designed to benefit, suggesting it increasingly serves broadcasters and sponsors over fans and players.
He went on to argue that a football match should flow naturally, rather than being interrupted to accommodate advertising slots, which he believes disrupts the rhythm of the game.
According to Klopp, such developments damage the spirit of football, turning it into what he described as an “advertising spectacle” rather than a sport focused on the action on the pitch.
He also insisted that the ball, rather than commercial interests, should remain the central focus of the game.
The criticism comes amid wider debate over the hydration breaks, which have divided opinion throughout the tournament.
Some broadcasters have taken different approaches, with Telemundo in the United States publicly stating they would not cut away for advertisements during the stoppages, instead offering uninterrupted coverage.
Their decision was widely praised by viewers online, with many fans switching broadcasts to avoid ad interruptions and praising the quality of coverage.
Klopp’s comments have added further weight to the ongoing discussion about how modern football balances player welfare, broadcasting demands and commercial interests at the highest level.
