Two British television networks intend to broadcast the entirety of Fifa’s contentious half-time performance during the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, although they still do not know how long the interval entertainment will run.
Last month, a newspaper report indicated that networks were worried about the duration of the half-time show, which has been organized by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and will include performances from Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and the K-pop group BTS. Organizers expect the break to stretch to between 25 and 30 minutes.
The two British broadcasters that own the rights have opted to air the entire show, reasoning that the time needed to erect and dismantle the stage on the field will give them ample opportunity to provide match analysis.
Fifa staged a halftime spectacle at the Club World Cup final at the same stadium last year, resulting in a 24-minute pause; however, that performance was held in the stands. With the extra logistics of constructing a stage on the pitch, Sunday’s interruption could be even lengthier. The show itself is expected to run roughly 11 minutes.
According to the rules maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), “players are entitled to an interval at half-time, not exceeding 15 minutes,” which can be changed solely with the referee’s consent. Fifa’s plan would therefore appear to violate this regulation, though no pushback from Ifab officials has been reported.
Fifa has greatly expanded the pre-game entertainment at this World Cup, acknowledging the demands of the US audience especially.
The opening fixtures in the two host nations included extended musical ceremonies; Shakira and Burna Boy led an elaborate pre-match concert before Mexico’s victory over South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium.
Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé top-billed a ceremony in Toronto ahead of Canada against Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Katy Perry performed before the USA’s opener versus Paraguay.
Fifa’s president Gianni Infantino called the halftime show a “groundbreaking spectacle” intended to “celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle”.
Fifa will also hold a closing ceremony 90 minutes before the final kicks off, featuring Robbie Williams and Jennifer Hudson.
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