Organizers of the '22 FIFA World Cup “have dismissed suggestions that they discussed switching matches to three 30-minute periods to combat the extreme heat in Qatar,” according to Ben Smith of the LONDON TIMES. Qatar “remains hopeful that, with climate-control technology in stadiums and at training grounds, it can stage the World Cup and insists there are no plans to move away from the game of two halves.” Qatar 2022 in a statement said, “Splitting the games has not been discussed at any time. All 64 games will be played in carbon-neutral cooled stadiums in two halves of 45 minutes, as per regulations.” Smith notes FIFA “has been wrestling with the problem of how the world’s best players are going to cope with the conditions.” Arup Associates Dir Michael Beaven, whose architecture firm is designing the World Cup stadiums, on Wednesday “suggested that the traditional length of halves could be altered because of the heat to which players will be subjected.” However, now he insists that “the air-conditioned indoor stadiums will allow FIFA to control the temperatures constantly before, during and after matches, minimising any possible health risks to players or fans” (LONDON TIMES, 7/8). The GUARDIAN’s Matt Scott notes although FIFA “denied it had discussed the matter, it is strongly possible talks will take place over the next 11 years since the three-thirds idea would generate many more millions for broadcasters in ad revenue.” And “what is good for broadcasters is good for FIFA.” Two halftimes in a three-period World Cup match “would create a lot of potential space” for the ads, thus “raising broadcast-rights values.” A senior television executive said, "I can't think of any other rationale for it than a commercial motive" (GUARDIAN, 7/8).
REAX: ESPN.com's Jackie MacMullan said of the idea of going to three periods, "It’s going to change the way teams play and what their strategies are, and I don’t think that’s really fair. The game of soccer is 45-minute halves. Figure it out." ESPN.com's J.A. Adande: "It doesn’t matter how long you’re going to be out there, it’s going to be hot as Hades on the field” (“Around The World,” ESPN, 7/7). ESPN’s Tony Kornheiser said, “You can’t change the rules in the World Cup. This is not some third-rate league. This is like saying the marathon today is going to be 18 miles.” ESPN's Michael Wilbon said, "This just in: It’s hot in Qatar. FIFA appears to have just discovered how hot it is in Qatar. ... This is preposterous" ("PTI," ESPN, 7/7).
