The FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea and PSG ended amid criticism of its formality and commercial motives.
In the above match, British singer Robbie Williams was invited to perform. Before the second half started, Robbie Williams took to the field to perform in front of the audience. It was seen as an effort to attract young audiences, the audience that FIFA is trying to target for this tournament.
The match between Chelsea and PSG had a 24-minute halftime break (Photo: Getty).
However, Robbie Williams' performance caused the half-time break to last 24 minutes, instead of the 15 minutes stipulated by IFAB (International Football Association Board).
IFAB Law 7, Article 7.2 states: “Players are entitled to a half-time break of no more than 15 minutes, and are permitted a short break for drinking water (no more than 1 minute) during the half-time break in extra time”.
On Twitter, reporter Martyn Ziegler of The Times frankly asked: "So what is the point of FIFA claiming to respect the Laws of the Game, when they themselves broke the 15-minute half-time limit just so that Mr. Infantino could organize a 24-minute performance?"
Many have argued that the FIFA Club World Cup final is nothing more than a parody of the Super Bowl halftime show.
It is absurd that FIFA not only allows, but deliberately plans for such a long half-time break. While referees have some flexibility in certain situations, 15 minutes is a clear limit. And if there is any organization that should take the Laws of the Game seriously, it is FIFA.
FIFA criticized for misapplying the Laws of the Game (Photo: Getty).
It should be noted that FIFA is not the only body that sets the rules of the game. The main body responsible for creating the rules is the IFAB, whose voting structure requires a 6-2 vote to pass any amendments.
FIFA holds four votes, while the four national associations of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have one vote.
Therefore, the seemingly harmless 24-minute break between the two halves of the match between Chelsea and PSG reflects a deeper problem about the way FIFA operates and the way President Infantino runs it. That has raised many conflicting opinions from the public about FIFA wanting to commercialize football matches.
The new format of the FIFA Club World Cup has previously been criticised for draining players after a gruelling season. The tournament has also been controversial for being played in adverse weather conditions, with several matches being postponed due to lightning strikes.
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/fifa-lam-sai-luat-trong-tran-chung-ket-club-world-cup-20250714203102658.htm
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