FIFA binned hydration breaks at the World Cup for one game – and then put them back in straight away.
Mexico’s last-32 tie against Ecuador, which was delayed by an hour due to a severe storm, had been set to be the first match of the tournament without one.
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Mexico vs Ecuador had hydration breaks put back in after being removed by Fifa Credit: Reuters
The game was delayed by an hour – leading to the initial change Credit: Reuters
ITV announced that due to the weather, the two controversial breaks would be ignored on this occasion.
But presenter Laura Woods, just seconds after asking if the pundits were looking forward to an uninterrupted clash, had to ride back on her question.
She jumped in and said that the breaks had been put back in less than ten minutes after confirming they were out for once.
Fans have been fuming with the three minute pauses in each half ever since they were introduced.
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And with the Azteca stadium in Mexico City swept up in torrential rain before kick off, a decision had initially been made to remove the added breaks.
They are regularly booed by supporters at grounds around Mexico, Canada, and the USA.
Unlike certain sports and competitions, which introduce water breaks when the temperature reaches a certain point, this World Cup had them no matter the conditions.
That has led to farcical scenes where air conditioned stadiums with roofs have had breaks.
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The breaks are wildly unpopular Credit: Reuters
France’s 3-0 win over Sweden on Tuesday night saw the heat rise to above 36 degrees during play, though.
But the weather was contrasting in South America as thunderstorms and lightning hit the Azteca.
Kick off, due to be at 7pm local time (2am in the UK), was scrapped.
Fans still gathered in the stands despite the rain and storm.
The match was then slated to begin at 8pm (3am), with players coming out to warm up at 7.05pm (2.05am), five minutes after the action had been scheduled to begin.
