FIFA in Hot Soup with IFAB After Club World Cup Half-Time Show Breaks Key Rule

FIFA in Hot Water with IFAB After Club World Cup Half-Time Show Breaks Key Rule

FIFA’s attempt to bring American-style entertainment to the Club World Cup final may have landed the governing body in breach of a core rule of football. The lavish half-time show at the final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, held at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, has raised eyebrows—not only from fans but from regulatory authorities—after it was revealed that the spectacle violated Law 7 of the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

What Happened?

FIFA staged a dramatic finale for their new-look Club World Cup, complete with a pre-match concert by Robbie Williams, a grandiose player entrance, and even an introduction from boxing icon Michael Buffer. But it was the half-time show—a glitzy American-style production featuring Doja Cat, J Balvin, Tems, Emmanuel Kelly, and a surprise performance by Coldplay—that may have taken things too far.

The performance lasted over 24 minutes, nearly 10 minutes longer than IFAB’s permitted 15-minute half-time interval.

THE FULL FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP HALFTIME SHOW 🔥

Featuring J. Balvin, Tems, Doja Cat & Coldplaypic.twitter.com/YPHqqFv696

— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ) July 13, 2025

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What Does the Rule Say?

According to Law 7 of IFAB’s Laws of the Game:

“Players are entitled to an interval at half-time, not exceeding 15 minutes. A short drinks break (which should not exceed one minute) is permitted at the interval of half-time in extra time.”

Unless specifically agreed beforehand and approved by the referee, extending the interval is a clear violation.

As of now, FIFA has not released an official statement, and it remains unclear whether they will face any formal repercussions from IFAB for this breach.

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Fan and Media Reaction

The decision to hold such a lengthy mid-game show drew widespread criticism across footballing circles, especially from purists who felt it was an unnecessary attempt to “Americanize” the sport.

Jeremy Clarkson, former Top Gear presenter and long-time football fan, summed up the traditional view with a tongue-in-cheek jab:

“People of America. So you know. Half time at a football match is for a pie. Not singing.”

People of America. So you know. Half time at a football match is for a pie. Not singing.

— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) July 13, 2025

On social media, reactions ranged from amused confusion to outright frustration. Many fans said the extended break disrupted the momentum of the game and felt out of place at such a high-stakes match.

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What Now for FIFA?

While FIFA’s goal was to globalize and commercialize the Club World Cup, the move may backfire if IFAB chooses to act. Historically, IFAB has been strict about deviations from match structure, especially those that affect the fairness or rhythm of the game.

If sanctioned, this could set a precedent limiting such halftime spectacles in future FIFA tournaments—particularly those modeled on American-style events like the Super Bowl.

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FIFA may have created a visually memorable moment at MetLife Stadium, but in doing so, it overstepped the boundaries of the game’s most fundamental laws. With fans divided and regulators watching, the fallout from the 24-minute halftime show could shape how far entertainment is allowed to go in global football.

Whether FIFA gets a slap on the wrist or simply a warning, one thing is clear: in football, the rules still matter—even when Coldplay shows up.

FIFA in Hot Soup with IFAB After Club World Cup Half-Time Show Breaks Key Rule