India, June 24 -- FIFA president Gianni Infantino has rejected suggestions that mandatory hydration breaks at the 2026 FIFA World Cup were introduced for commercial gain, insisting that the decision was taken only with sporting fairness and player welfare in mind.

Hydration breaks have become one of the major talking points of the tournament, with FIFA introducing three-minute pauses midway through each half of every match. While the governing body has maintained that the rule is aimed at helping players cope with demanding conditions across the United States, Mexico and Canada, critics have questioned why the breaks are being used even in matches where the weather is not extreme.

The policy has also triggered suspicion among fans becau...