FIFA APPROVES A TWO-MINUTE REST IN EACH HALF - Brazil World Cup to introduce timeouts

The secretary general of FIFA, Jerôme Valcke, has said that in cases of extreme heat, play in some matches at the 2014 Brazil World Cup could be stopped once or more times to allow players to rest and rehydrate.

"Every match will have a coordinator, a doctor and the match referee. These three people will take the necessary measures to ensure acceptable conditions and will authorise breaks during games", said Valcke, who admitted two days ago that Brazil 2014 will be a World Cup of extreme temperatures.

Of the 64 matches scheduled during the tournament, four will be played at 13:00 in regions in the north of the country, which are prone to intense heat: two in Natal, one in Arrecife and another in Salvador.

FIFA has completely ruled out the possibility of changing the kick-off times of these matches, arguing that medical research guarantees there will be no health risks to players.

With regards to the welfare of fans watching these matches under the intense sun of north-eastern Brazil, Valcke admitted he has not commissioned any studies, although he said he is sure there will not be any problems.

"I would say it is easier for fans, who can drink water if they need to. It is more difficult for the players, who run kilometres on the pitch", said the secretary general. "Our medical research focussed on the players' health, not the fans'".