Echo

Virgil van Dijk makes complaint as Liverpool defender says 'not something I like'

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Echo or go back to LFC Live.


SportFootballLiverpool FCVirgil van Dijk has criticised FIFA's decision to mandate hydration breaks at the 2026 World Cup, with the Liverpool defender calling on the governing body to amend its own rulesLiverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has hit out at FIFA's use of hydration breaks at the 2026 World Cup. Van Dijk continued his rich goalscoring form after his most prolific season as a professional but it wasn't enough as Ronald Koeman's side were forced to settle for a draw.Water breaks have been divisive at this summer's tournament after the opportunity to rehydrate has been overshadowed by some television broadcasters taking the opportunity to display adverts.However, Van Dijk was left exasperated following the Netherlands' opening group stage clash against Japan, as the match was held in a climate-controlled venue.Van Dijk said: "I think hydration breaks are really interesting.



I think every time going to commercials is a bit, not really something that I like."I think for the neutral watchers on TV it is also not great. So if it is really hot it would be good to put them in but I think you have to look at it in every game, separately, in my opinion.

But I think I have said enough already on that."FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageThree-minute water breaks have been made compulsory at this World Cup, with one scheduled in the middle of each half, due to the extreme weather conditions across the Atlantic.The official reasoning is to safeguard player welfare amid sweltering temperatures across North America during this summer's tournament.The stadium in Dallas was reported to be approximately 20 degrees celsius during the fixture, with Van Dijk arguing that hydration breaks ought to only be introduced when temperatures exceed a certain level.UK broadcasters have not been airing adverts during the intervals, though the same cannot be said elsewhere.