Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk has urged FIFA to rethink the use of water breaks at the 2026 World Cup, speaking after Sunday's 2-2 draw with Japan.
Van Dijk put the Netherlands ahead, only for Japan to grab a late equaliser. Both sides took a point from their opening fixture of the tournament.
According to English newspaper "Metro", FIFA's mandatory breaks have effectively turned matches into four-quarter affairs, even when the weather has been relatively mild.
Take Houston last night. Played under a roof with the temperature around 20 degrees, the conditions were almost perfect for football.
Asked about the breaks, Van Dijk said: "The water breaks are a bit interesting because I have been watching nearly all the matches, even today, and every time the players go to drink, an advertisement comes on. It's a bit annoying, not really what I like."
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He added, as quoted by the English newspaper: "I also think it's not good for the neutral viewers on television. So, if it is very hot, then it would be good to drink water, but in my opinion each match should be looked at on its own."
A wry smile followed. "I think I've already said enough on this matter."
The Netherlands and Japan share Group Five with Sweden and Tunisia, the latter beaten 5-1 in their own opener.