In a surprising turn of events, the France vs Poland and Netherlands vs Austria matches at Euro 2024 saw the introduction of drinks breaks, despite temperatures not meeting the UEFA-mandated criteria for ‘cooling breaks.’ The referee paused the France vs Poland game in the 28th minute for a short break, a first for the tournament. Similarly, the Netherlands vs Austria match saw a drinks break called in the 34th minute.
While Dortmund, where the France game took place, was 27 degrees Celsius, and Berlin, where the Netherlands game was ongoing, registered 28 degrees Celsius, UEFA rules only permit ‘cooling breaks’ when pitch-side temperatures reach 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit), allowing for a 90-second break 25 minutes into each half. Despite the temperature not hitting the specified threshold, the referee’s decision to implement drinks breaks signifies a potential shift in approach, prioritizing player well-being.
This move could be an exception, considering the intense heat and the potential impact on player performance. It could also be a preview of things to come, with drinks breaks becoming more frequent in ‘day matches’ throughout the tournament. FIFA introduced official water breaks during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, with three-minute breaks occurring in the 30th and 75th minutes. It seems that Euro 2024 is following suit, emphasizing the importance of player health and hydration in the face of challenging weather conditions.
