Court orders FIFA to give water breaks

Rio de Janeiro, June 21 (IANS/EFE) FIFA has to give the players water breaks during the World Cup in Brazil that takes place in high temperatures, a Brazilian labour court judge said.

The ruling on Friday will force the referees to halt matches in the 30th minute of each half, allowing the players to drink fluids and water, reports EFE.

FIFA will have to pay a fine of 200 thousand BRL ($90,910) in case it does not comply with the decision when the temperature exceeds 32 degrees as the players' health could be harmed.

The World Cup kicked off June 12 and will end July 13. During this time of the year temperatures soar in various parts of Brazil.

--IANS/EFE

ss/bg