According to The Telegraph, UEFA has decided not to enforce mandatory cooling breaks at the 2028 UEFA European Championship.

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, FIFA mandated 3-minute cooling breaks in each half of every match. FIFA stated that this measure was implemented for player health and safety, particularly to protect players in the high temperatures of Qatar venues.

However, this rule has been criticized by many players, coaches, and fans since its implementation. Critics argue that cooling breaks disrupt the game's rhythm and are suspected of providing additional advertising opportunities for broadcasters.

Regarding whether the 2028 UEFA European Championship would adopt similar measures, a UEFA spokesperson told The Telegraph that there are currently no such plans.

Under current UEFA regulations, cooling breaks only become mandatory when the on-site temperature exceeds 32 degrees Celsius. Such conditions are expected to be rare at the 2028 UEFA European Championship, held in England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland.

The tournament will be jointly hosted by England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland, with Northern Ireland having previously withdrawn from the host lineup.

Cooling breaks during the Qatar World Cup led to fan dissatisfaction in several matches. For example, during England's 4-2 victory over Wales, when referee Pietersen blew the whistle for a cooling break in the 22nd minute, both sets of fans booed. Notably, the Dallas Stadium, where the match was held, is an air-conditioned venue.

Similar situations occurred in the Norway versus Iraq match. Gillette Stadium in Boston had a temperature of only 23 degrees Celsius, yet the cooling break rule was still enforced.

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa recently expressed his concerns: "The general view is that changing the game from two halves to four periods fundamentally alters how people have understood football for generations. In my opinion, this rule adds nothing and loses a lot."

Bielsa believes that football's appeal lies in its original characteristics, and frequent interruptions may alter the sport's essence. "Before making this decision, no one seriously considered what impact it would have on football's appeal. Football had certain qualities that people loved, and now it has become something different. People love football precisely because of those original qualities."

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