World Cup final half-time break sparks controversy

There has been outrage over World Cup officials’ decision to break the laws of the sport to hold an extended half time show during Monday morning’s final.

FIFA has confirmed a star-studded pre-game show will also take place in addition to the “Super Bowl inspired” half time show.

The half time spectacular is co-headlined by Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and BTS.

Squeezing in all those acts will reportedly force tournament officials to extend the half time break to almost 30 minutes, according to The Times.

Under Law 7 of the IFAB Laws of the Game, the half time break must not exceed 15 minutes.

According to reports in the UK, overseas broadcast rights holders, including the BBC and ITV, are making plans to factor in the half time show, while also allowing for traditional half time analysis. For commercial networks, the 11-minute half time spectacle will cause headaches as they try to squeeze in ad breaks.

FIFA officials have increasingly in recent years found loopholes within the governing body’s own protocols with the Organising Committee for the FIFA Club World Cup last year overseeing a 25 minute half time break.

That extended break for the final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey — the venue for Monday morning’s blockbuster — was headlined by global chart-toppers J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems.

United States President Donald Trump also cast a shadow over the match and remained on stage with Chelsea players after captain Reece James lifted the trophy.

-news.com.au