They bring nothing and take a lot from football. Legendary coach strongly opposes new FIFA World Cup rule

"They bring nothing and take a lot from football. Football had a certain character before this decision; now it has a different one," Bielsa was quoted by several media outlets, including the French daily L'Équipe. The seventy-year-old coach speaks of a "cultural change" in the world's most popular sport.

The rule, introduced by the International Football Federation (FIFA), mandates a three-minute break in each half to reduce player strain in hot conditions.

However, critics argue that these breaks do not primarily serve to protect players' health but rather create additional space for television advertising and commercial activities. Coaches also use them for tactical instructions.

"The consequences for the sport were not considered, but rather something else," Bielsa believes, referring to profits from television advertising during hydration breaks. Reported by DPA.