Water breaks not mandatory at Euro 2028
UEFA has confirmed that cooling breaks will not be compulsory at the 2028 European Championship, leaving the decision to the referee.
The so-called rehydration or water breaks have become one of the most discussed topics of the current final tournament. Online, there is a perception that these stoppages, occurring midway through each half, are actually used as advertising breaks that disrupt the flow of the game.
UEFA, responsible not only for the European Championship but also for top European club competitions, has confirmed that at the upcoming Euro 2028 finals, these breaks will not be mandatory. Instead, cooling/rehydration breaks will be at the discretion of the match referee.
Current UEFA rules stipulate that rehydration breaks are compulsory when the temperature exceeds 32 degrees Celsius. However, for the 2028 tournament, which will take place in the United Kingdom and Ireland, this rule will be adjusted, giving referees the authority to decide on the need for breaks based on the conditions.
The decision follows discussions about whether water breaks are truly necessary or if they are being used for other purposes. Thus, Euro 2028 will differ from previous tournaments where such breaks were mandatory.
