US Broadcaster Fox Violates FIFA Commercial Rules During World Cup Hydration Break
Fox, the US broadcaster, violated FIFA's strict guidelines by returning to live coverage 10 seconds after the match resumed following a hydration break. FIFA accepted Fox's explanation and will not impose sanctions.
During last week's World Cup opening match, US broadcaster Fox violated FIFA's strict guidelines regarding commercial breaks during hydration pauses. In the second half, Fox returned to live coverage from the Mexico City stadium only 10 seconds after the game had resumed, meaning the commercial break exceeded the allowed time by 40 seconds.
This year's tournament is the first to use hydration breaks in the World Cup. FIFA rules, sent to all rights holders two months in advance, stipulate that broadcasters may show advertisements during hydration pauses but must return to the game coverage 30 seconds before play resumes.
In its explanation to FIFA, Fox stated that it was unaware that referee Wilton Sampaio had signaled the hydration break earlier, specifically after Raúl Jiménez scored Mexico's second goal. The broadcaster claimed it did not notice the announcement of the break, so the commercial break started late and subsequently exceeded the allotted time. FIFA accepted this explanation and will not impose any sanctions.
Fox holds the English-language World Cup broadcasting rights for the United States. Although some viewers complained about Fox's error, no similar incidents have occurred since. Meanwhile, Telemundo, which broadcasts the World Cup in Spanish in the US, chose not to switch to full-screen commercials during hydration breaks. These breaks last three minutes and occur once per half.
