Half-time at a football game is normally a chance to grab a drink or snack, make a mad dash for the toilets or vent with friends about some questionable refereeing or defending.
But at this year’s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, for the first time in the tournament’s history, there was a half-time show – complete with performances from Madonna, Shakira, BTS and Justin Bieber.
It’s already caused controversy in the sporting world as the performance means the break will last up to 25 minutes – when the International Football Association Board (Ifab) states players are entitled to a maximum 15-minute stoppage.
The show took place on Sunday night at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and has been described by governing body Fifa as a “landmark celebration at the intersection of sport, music and global impact”.
Does a performance like this, during the most-watched sporting event in the world, herald something similar coming soon to a stadium near you? And do fans want that?
At last year’s Club World Cup final, which was also organised by Fifa and held in New Jersey, there was a 24-minute half-time featuring live music from Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat and Tems.
Sports broadcaster Betty Glover, who has been covering the World Cup across the US for the last month, worked at last year’s Club World Cup final in the same stadium.
Credit: bbc.com
