Jurgen Klopp (foto: Getty Images)
Jürgen Klopp has criticized FIFA's World Cup cooling breaks, arguing they disrupt the flow of matches and serve commercial interests more than the game itself.
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Jürgen Klopp has joined the growing debate surrounding FIFA's controversial cooling breaks at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, delivering a sharp criticism of what he sees as the increasing commercialization of football.
The former Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Mainz 05 manager questioned whether the new interruptions are truly designed for player welfare or whether they primarily create additional opportunities for broadcasters and sponsors.
Speaking to German broadcaster ZDF, Klopp did not hide his frustration.
"Football has been hijacked by people who are sitting in air-conditioned offices."
The German coach pointed to the mandatory breaks that have become a major talking point during the opening days of the tournament.
"When I watched the players standing on the pitch during the break, while the rhythm of the match was dictated by TV breaks, I asked myself who the World Cup is for. The fans? The players? Or the advertisers?"
Klopp believes such interruptions fundamentally alter the nature of football.
"A World Cup match should flow naturally. Instead, we put up barriers in the middle of the game so that advertisements can come through. This is dangerous for the spirit of the sport."
The 58-year-old warned that football risks losing its place at the center of the spectacle.
"Football used to be the main event. Now there is a real danger that it will become just a small backdrop to a big advertising spectacle. The ball should be the star of the show, not just a break between commercials."
Klopp is not the first prominent football figure to question the policy.
Former Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger recently criticized similar interruptions during World Cup matches, arguing that some of the conditions did not justify mandatory cooling breaks.
Klopp's comments, however, have also sparked debate because of his current position within football.
Since stepping away from coaching, he has taken on a senior role within the Red Bull football network, one of the most powerful commercial organizations in the sport.
That fact has not gone unnoticed by critics.
Many supporters agree with Klopp's broader point about the growing influence of commercial interests in football. At the same time, some have questioned whether he is the ideal messenger, given his involvement with a global sports and marketing empire whose clubs are closely linked to one of the world's biggest corporate brands.
The irony has become part of the story.
Yet, regardless of who delivers the message, the discussion itself is unlikely to disappear.
As FIFA continues to introduce new formats, broadcasting innovations, and commercial opportunities, questions about the balance between football, entertainment, and business are becoming increasingly common.
Klopp's intervention has ensured that debate will remain firmly in the spotlight throughout the tournament.