A prominent global events executive has defended FIFA's decision to extend the halftime interval for a lavish show at the World Cup final, asserting that such a spectacle is "what people want" and a crucial part of the event's global appeal.
FIFA has announced the halftime show at MetLife Stadium, featuring artists like Madonna, Shakira, and Justin Bieber, will last 11 minutes. However, reports indicate the total break between halves could exceed 30 minutes, significantly longer than the 15-minute maximum stipulated by Law 7 of the IFAB Laws of the Game. This decision has drawn criticism from "purists" who argue it disrupts the game's rhythm and flow, especially following recent controversial changes to the tournament, including its expansion to 48 teams and the introduction of "hydration breaks."
Michael Gietzen, CEO of Identity, told the Press Association that extending the halftime for such a high-profile match is appropriate. "The people complaining are missing the point," Gietzen stated. "A World Cup final isn't 'most of the time.' It happens once every four years, in front of the biggest audience any single sporting event can pull. Treating it like a normal weekend fixture is the mistake, not the half-time show."
He further argued that a well-executed halftime show is not a distraction but a component that makes the event memorable. "A few extra minutes to get that right isn't a compromise, it's FIFA recognizing that the final is a cultural event as much as a sporting one," Gietzen said. He described it as FIFA "catching up to what a decent proportion of audiences have wanted for years," adding that playing it too safe would be "wasting the moment."
Some football analysts share concerns that the extended break, drawing parallels to the Super Bowl's halftime tradition, could dilute the match and negatively impact player performance due to the prolonged physical pause. Last year's Club World Cup, also held at the same New Jersey stadium, featured a 25-minute break for a halftime show that did not utilize the playing surface. This year's event, however, will use the pitch for its staging.
The extended halftime is the latest in a series of controversies surrounding the tournament. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has faced scrutiny over decisions such as the suspension of a ban for USA player Folarin Balogun until after the tournament. FIFA stated the decision was made by an independent panel, though reports linked it to a phone call from former President Donald Trump. Trump is expected to attend the final and present the trophy, a role he also fulfilled at last year's Club World Cup.
