TV rights holders are growing increasingly frustrated at Fifa's failure to confirm the length of the half-time show at next month's World Cup final. The show, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, will feature performances by Madonna, Shakira, and K-pop boyband BTS at MetLife Stadium.
Delays Causing Commercial Issues
Sources at several World Cup rights holders told the Guardian that multiple requests to Fifa for clarity on the length of half-time have gone unanswered. This is causing issues for commercial broadcasters, whose advertising teams have inventory to sell.
One rights holder source said they were planning for the musical production to last between 12 and 15 minutes, similar to the average length of the Super Bowl's half-time show. However, with additional time required to set up and remove the stage, there are concerns the interval could stretch between 25 and 30 minutes.
Laws of the Game
The laws of the game, overseen by the International Football Association Board, state that players are entitled to an interval at half-time not exceeding 15 minutes, and it may be altered only with the referee's permission. Fifa declined to confirm the length of half-time, with one source describing the situation as fluid.
Increased Pre-Match Entertainment
Fifa has significantly increased the amount of pre-match entertainment on offer at this World Cup, in a nod to the expectations of the American market. The first games in each host country will feature opening ceremonies, with Shakira and Burna Boy headlining an extensive pre-match show before Mexico meets South Africa in the Azteca Stadium. Other performers include Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla.
Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé will headline the show in Toronto before Canada faces Bosnia and Herzegovina. Later in the day, Katy Perry, Lisa, Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema, Brazilian pop artist Anitta, and hip-hop artist Future will perform in Los Angeles before the US meets Paraguay.
