'Why Have Rules?': FIFA Slammed For Breaking Half-Time Limit At Club World Cup Final
The Club World Cup final witnessed an extended half-time show with musical performances which ran past the stipulated 15-minute timeframe.
FIFA came under scrutiny for breaching the laws of the game during the Club World Cup final on Sunday, July 13. As English Premier League giants Chelsea took on Champions League title holders Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey, Martyn Ziegler, chief sports reporter at The Times, questioned how tournament organisers failed to maintain the 15-minute half-time break, allowing a 24-minute glitzy midway show to continue.
According to football's Law about the Duration of the Match, 'Players are entitled to an interval at half-time, not exceeding 15 minutes; a short drinks break (which should not exceed one minute) is permitted at the interval of half-time in extra time." The Club World Cup final witnessed an extended celebration with musical performances and cameras regularly glancing at FIFA President Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump. The show continued for 24 minutes, raising eyebrows as FIFA allowed a breach of its laws.
'What is the point of FIFA saying it upholds the Laws of the Game when it ignores maximum 15-min half-time break so Infantino can have this 24-min show??" wrote Ziegler on Twitter as attention shifted away from the on-field action where Chelsea pulled off a massive 3-0 triumph against PSG.
pic.twitter.com/6JlQjfE5i1 — Martyn Ziegler (@martynziegler) July 13, 2025
While the referee has some discretion,15 minutes is marked as the maximum time duration for a half-time halt during a football match. FIFA adopts its laws from the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which requires a six-to-two majority vote to make any changes. Notably, four of those votes are held by FIFA representatives, with one apiece reserved for the national football associations of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
A nine-minute delay in resumption may seem trivial, but FIFA's inability to adhere to the law and prioritising frenzy amidst a game of such nature raises questions about the body and its commitment and planning for hosting a fair Club World Cup. Despite the extended pause, Chelsea retained its great momentum and rode on Cole Palmer's magnificent twin strikes to clinch a defiant 3-0 victory over the tournament favourites.
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