Maradona’s Warning on Football Commercialisation Resurfaces

Following FIFA's decision in 2018 to award the tournament to the three North American nations, Maradona argued that football in the United States risked becoming overly corporate. He feared that commercial interests could eventually take precedence over the passion and traditions that have long defined the sport.

In a tongue-in-cheek remark, Maradona even joked that one day football's traditional two 45-minute halves might be replaced by four 25-minute quarters, creating more stoppages for additional television commercials. At the time, many dismissed the comment as an exaggeration.

However, Maradona's remarks have resurfaced during the 2026 World Cup. According to international sports media reports, FIFA has implemented hydration breaks in several matches because of high temperatures and humidity at some venues in the United States. During these breaks, broadcasters have been airing extended commercial advertisements, sparking widespread discussion on social media.

Many football fans argue that the additional advertising opportunities created by the hydration breaks have made Maradona's concerns about the sport's increasing commercialisation appear more relevant. As a result, clips of his old interviews and comments have gone viral once again across social media platforms.

It is important to note, however, that hydration breaks are not a new rule. FIFA and other football competitions have long introduced them in matches played under extreme heat and humidity to protect players' health and safety. While broadcasters have used these scheduled stoppages to air commercials, the primary purpose of the breaks remains player welfare. Nevertheless, the practice has reignited debate over Maradona's years-old warning about the growing commercialisation of football.

MMR