WORLD CUP chiefs have been told there is “absolutely no need” for controversial hydration breaks amid criticism from fans.
Officials came under fire after three-minute breaks were introduced in each half at the tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
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World Cup chiefs have been told there is ‘no need’ for hydration breaks in cool stadiums Credit: Getty
Fans have raged over stoppages which have been used to show commercials in the US Credit: Getty
But some fans have claimed that the breaks have been used to keep multi-million-pound broadcasters happy with extra commercial slots.
There has been anger from critics after seeing stoppages even during much cooler temperatures.
Some fans BOOED the hydration break during England’s 4-2 win over Croatia.
And they did the same in Ghana‘s 1-0 victory against Panama with temperatures less than 20°C in Canada.
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Now a leading scientist has dismissed the need for hydration breaks at the tournament unless temperatures reach 35°C and beyond.
Dr Lindsay Hunt, who is a Senior Sports Scientist at Precision Fuel and Hydration extra stoppages shouldn’t be happening in air-conditioned stadiums.
He said: “Essentially, the reasons for the breaks are twofold. First, to allow time for the players to stop exercising, which drops their metabolic heat production rapidly, allowing significant heat loss to occur, and lowering their body temperature.
“Secondly, with increased levels of heat stress, sweat rates are also inflated; therefore, to avoid dehydration.
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They are:
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“Usually, extreme heat policies have levels of heat stress, from low, moderate, high, very high and extreme.
“The Australian Open has a 5-point scale for example, which suggests extended breaks at a level four, and as such, they are only implemented when it’s necessary for player safety.
“Current FIFA guidelines suggest that at WBGT values beyond 32ºC additional breaks should be introduced.
“However, the Australian Football Leagues are much more conservative, with a 26 ºC WBGT limit before cooling breaks must be introduced. This study shows that the cooling breaks are effective at a WBGT of 30 ºC (Comprising 35 ºC and 55% RH).
“The crux of it is that there are usually thresholds at which various strategies of increasing severity and impact to the match (cooling interventions, drinks break, extended half time) are recommended at increasing levels of heat stress.
“In a cool, air-conditioned stadium, which is likely well below that 26 ºC threshold that the Australia organisations use, there’s absolutely no need to be implementing an extreme heat policy intervention such as additional breaks.”
Fifa have already confirmed ALL 104 matches at the tournament will be paused for players to take on extra fluid, no matter the weather.
Games are usually stopped in the 22nd and 67th minute to allow players to hydrate.
Fifa have allowed broadcasters to show commercials during the breaks, but the BBC and ITV have both refused to show them in the UK.
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