FIFA Under Fire for Ignoring Its Own Rules During Club World Cup Final
What was meant to be a global celebration of club football—the Club World Cup Final between Chelsea and PSG—has sparked backlash, not only for the action on the pitch but for what many are calling a clear breach of FIFA’s own rules.
⏱ A Halftime Controversy
Football journalist Martyn Ziegler took to X (formerly Twitter) to question FIFA’s actions, posting:
“What’s the point of FIFA claiming to follow the Laws of the Game if they ignore the 15-minute halftime rule so Infantino can host a 24-minute show?”
FIFA’s Law 7 mandates that halftime should not exceed 15 minutes. Yet, during the final, the break stretched to 24 minutes and featured live musical acts and fireworks—more reminiscent of a Super Bowl show than a football match. Critics have slammed the extended show as a blatant violation of FIFA’s own standards, apparently designed to give more spotlight to President Gianni Infantino’s high-profile entertainment agenda.
🎭 Infantino in the Spotlight
The decision has drawn widespread criticism, with many pointing fingers at Infantino for prioritizing spectacle over the sport’s integrity. Adding fuel to the fire, reports suggest his name is engraved multiple times on the new tournament trophy, raising eyebrows about motives of self-promotion.
FIFPRO, the global players’ union—excluded from a pre-match player welfare meeting—didn’t mince words. They labeled Infantino “the man who thinks he’s god” and criticized FIFA’s approach as prioritizing “bread and circuses” over player well-being and the game’s credibility.
😠 Fans and Media Outrage
Spectators at MetLife Stadium voiced their frustration, booing both Donald Trump and Infantino during the ceremony. Journalists also condemned the event, questioning why FIFA would stage such a spectacle that openly defies the rules it claims to uphold.
⚖️ A Deeper Concern for the Future
This incident has ignited a broader debate: Is FIFA adjusting the rules for the sake of branding and media appeal? If halftime rules can be bent for showmanship, what’s next? The uproar has cast a long shadow over the tournament and raised concerns about the direction of football governance under Infantino.
In Summary:
FIFA extended halftime in the Club World Cup Final to 24 minutes—contradicting the 15-minute limit set in Law 7. Critics argue it was a calculated move to enhance the spectacle and promote Infantino’s agenda, at the cost of the sport’s principles. The backlash from fans, media, and player unions has been fierce.
Rather than being remembered for Chelsea’s dominant 3–0 win, the final may go down as a defining moment in the debate over whether FIFA is prioritizing entertainment over the rules and integrity of football.
