The introduction of hydration breaks to World Cup matches this summer sent shockwaves through football, and they may soon feature in Premier League matches.
The breaks also allowed broadcasters an extra pair of advertising opportunities, leading to a massive increase in TV revenue from the tournament.
The hydration break was widely criticised for its effects on match momentum and contribution to the tournament’s commercialisation.
But the return of the club game in recent weeks has seen the hydration break remain prominent, not only in pre-season friendlies but also in the early rounds of the Carabao Cup.
When the curtain raises on the new Premier League season this Friday, with newly promoted Coventry visiting Arsenal, it is not yet clear whether hydration breaks will feature.
Will there be hydration breaks in the Premier League this season?
Premier League matches may feature hydration breaks this season, but only when they are needed.
Whether any given match requires a hydration break is down to the referee’s discretion and is generally agreed between teams before a match gets underway.
Guidance issued in May said match officials should consider a drinks break if the temperature is at or above 30C come kick-off.
As such, certain Carabao Cup first-round matches staged a drinks break in either half in the first week of August, with the UK in the grips of its latest heatwave.
Drinks breaks, then, may feature in the Premier League this season should matches be played in sufficiently warm conditions, but they will not be a regular fixture.
