ITV and BBC have confirmed their plans to broadcast FIFA’s contentious half-time show during the World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, although they remain unsure of its exact duration.
Concerns regarding the length of this half-time event, curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and featuring performances from Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and K-pop sensation BTS, were highlighted last month. The interval is expected to last between 25 to 30 minutes.
Despite these uncertainties, both UK broadcasters have opted to air the entire show, believing that the time needed for stage setup and dismantling will allow sufficient opportunity to analyze the match.
In a previous instance, FIFA hosted a half-time show at the Club World Cup final at the same venue, which resulted in a 24-minute break. This earlier event took place in the stands, and with the added complexity of setting up on the pitch this time, the delay could be even longer. The performance is anticipated to be around 11 minutes long.
The International Football Association Board’s regulations specify that players are entitled to a half-time interval not exceeding 15 minutes, which may only be altered with the referee’s consent. This raises questions about FIFA’s adherence to these rules, although it appears they have not faced any objections from officials at IFAB.
This World Cup has seen FIFA significantly enhance pre-match entertainment, responding to the expectations of the American audience. The initial matches in the host countries featured elaborate musical opening ceremonies, with Shakira and Burna Boy leading an extensive pre-match show just prior to Mexico’s victory over South Africa in Mexico City Stadium.
In Toronto, Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé headlined a show before the match between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Katy Perry performed before the USA’s first game against Paraguay.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has referred to the half-time show as a “players are entitled to an interval at half‑time, not exceeding 15 minutes, and it may be altered only with the referee’s permission” that aims to “celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle”
Additionally, FIFA plans to hold a closing ceremony 90 minutes prior to the final kickoff, featuring performances by Robbie Williams and Jennifer Hudson.
