Alan Shearer has criticised the use of hydration breaks at the World Cup, claiming they are mainly used to show adverts.
The breaks are scheduled twice in each match and last around three minutes, giving players a chance to take on fluids.
But they have sparked debate, with some games played in relatively mild conditions of around 20C, often in air-conditioned stadiums.
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said hydration breaks make sense in extreme heat for player safety, but not in conditions like England’s match, which was played under a roof at about 21C.
He added that there is “no real need” for them in those situations, suggesting they are largely there for commercial reasons rather than player welfare.
“We all know what they’re for,” he said. “Most of the time, it’s not for welfare — it’s for adverts.”
Players have been split on the issue during the tournament.
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk described the breaks as “interesting” but said stopping for TV ads disrupts the flow and isn’t ideal for viewers. He added they should only be used when conditions genuinely demand it.
England defender Nico O’Reilly said the breaks can be helpful for taking on fluids and information, but insisted players are already well adapted to the conditions and they shouldn’t be treated as essential.
Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans said the use of hydration breaks should be consistent, arguing that if they are needed in one venue, they should be applied across all matches rather than selectively.
