Archive · 1 Jul 2025
Players Union Calls for Longer Halftime Breaks in Hot Games
Football players are facing tough heat conditions in some tournaments.
Their union wants longer breaks, like 20 minutes at halftime, to help them cool down.
This is because the heat can make them very hot.
Scientists are studying how long the breaks should be to keep the players safe.
FIFA, the main soccer organization, is listening and making some changes to help, like providing more water.
Some teams from Europe are used to playing in cooler weather and are having issues, but the soccer calendar is now packed, meaning there is action right through the year.
Players' union Fifpro calls for 20-minute half-time breaks.
The request is due to extreme heat during the FIFA Club World Cup.
Fifpro's medical director suggests extended breaks to lower players' core temperatures.
FIFA has been responsive, adjusting heat-related protocols.
Concerns are raised about player well-being in future tournaments.
- Who
- Fifpro, players, and FIFA.
- What
- Fifpro, the global players' union, is calling for extended half-time breaks in football matches.
- When
- The request comes during the FIFA Club World Cup and in preparation for future tournaments.
- Where
- The FIFA Club World Cup, including matches in the US.
- Why
- To protect players from extreme heat conditions.
Player Safety Advocates
Teams in Favor of Normal Halftimes
Impact of Heat
Player Safety Advocates
Extended breaks are necessary to protect player health in hot conditions.
Teams in Favor of Normal Halftimes
Some teams may see it as giving opponents an unfair advantage, especially teams used to playing in cooler weather.
- Organization
- Fifpro
- Concern
- Player safety in heat
- Proposed change
- 20-minute half-time breaks
- Current protocol
- Three-minute cooling breaks
- Location of concern
- FIFA Club World Cup, future tournaments
- Involvement
- FIFA, players, medical experts