Brazil 2014: FIFPro requests additional breaks due to high temperatures

"We expect FIFA to strictly enforce the relevant medical procedures, including the possibility for extra cooling breaks," said Theo van Seggelen, secretary general of FIFPro (World Players' Union), on 21/05/2014, concerning the temperatures during the World Cup in Brazil (from 12/06 to 13/07/2014).

The players' union says it is particularly worried about the health of players, especially during the 24 matches that will begin at 13:00 local time (18:00 CET, Central European Time) in "tropical conditions" with temperatures above 30°C. "Medical and scientific experts are clear that playing in extreme heat is hazardous and requires sporting organisations to have strong and proactive policies that ensure players are not subjected to any unreasonable risk to their health," stated FIFPro.

FIFA has announced additional cooling breaks after the 30^th minute of the first and second halves of the game if the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT, a combined measure of temperature, humidity and solar radiation) exceeds 32°C. "We are ready for any eventuality and we will do everything to protect…