Jurgen Klopp believes ‘football is being held hostage’ in tirade about new World Cup rule

Jurgen Klopp has been part of the German coverage of the World Cup this summer and has been freely giving his opinion regarding subjects on and off the pitch.

The former Liverpool manager has never been shy to give his opinion when he believed it necessary, and this has not seemingly changed since he has stepped away from football management.

Now, Klopp has given his opinion on one of the new rules brought into the World Cup, believing it has not been a positive addition to the sport.

The German has spoken on the set of television channel ZDF about the subject of hydration breaks, a measure that can be viewed in two completely different ways.

FIFA brought the break in as a precautionary response to the summer heat across North America, framing it as a protective mechanism for player welfare.

However, cynical fans and pundits have shared their opinion across the first few days of the World Cup, believing it was a measure brought in for advertisers, and it appears Klopp may be among this crowd.

Javier Aguirre, head coach of Mexico, talk to the team during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and South Africa (Getty Images)

As reported by L’Equipe, Klopp has stated: “Football is being held hostage by executives ensconced in air-conditioned offices.

“When I saw the players standing there during a heatwave break while the televised timeouts dictated the pace of the match.

"I couldn't help but wonder, who does the World Cup really serve? The fans? The players? Or the advertisers?

“A World Cup match should flow like a river. Instead, we’re building dams right in the middle so that advertisements can pass through. It’s dangerous for the spirit of the game. Football used to be the main event, but now it risks becoming the background music for an advertising spectacle.”

Klopp appears to be part of the crowd that hopes this is not the direction that football is heading moving forward in which the sport is split into quarters with this hydration break to give the opportunity for advertisers on broadcasts during this period.