Wayne Rooney criticizes FIFA halftime show: "It was terrible"
According to Vi.
Context
Wayne Rooney, former striker of the English national team, expressed his disappointment regarding the FIFA halftime show, underlining that the performances did not respect the expectations and rules established by the federation itself. His observations are part of a broader debate on the quality of sporting events and playing conditions, which are essential to the success of events such as the World Cup.
Why it matters
Wayne Rooney's criticism of the FIFA halftime show highlights the tensions between public expectations and the outcomes of sporting events. His observation on the pitch at MetLife Stadium, where the World Cup final took place, highlights logistical issues that can affect the performances of players, such as Lionel Messi. The quality of the event and pitch is crucial to maintaining the integrity and attractiveness of football globally.
Key points
- Wayne Rooney criticizes FIFA halftime show: "It was terrible".
- Wayne Rooney harshly criticizes the halftime show organized by FIFA for the World Cup final, calling it "terrible" and highlighting the problems of the pitch.
- Rooney fakkelt halftime show volledig af, veld kreeg het zwaar te vegetablesn.
Wayne Rooney is not at all satisfied with the halftime show that FIFA has planned during the World Cup final. The former England striker did not spare criticism, claiming that the event violated FIFA's own rules. In fact, the break in a match should not exceed fifteen minutes and, although FIFA had reduced the program to seventeen minutes, the break lasted for over twenty-seven minutes.
Rooney told the BBC: "I found the performance terrible. The only moment I appreciated was when it ended. It was really poor. I have great respect for artists like Burna Boy, Bieber and Shakira, but what we saw was simply unacceptable."
The pitch at MetLife Stadium, where the final took place, also faced much criticism. Former striker Ian Wright expressed concern about the condition of the pitch, calling it "ridiculous, uneven and miserable". This condition has made it difficult for even the best players, such as Lionel Messi, to control the ball. Wright stressed: "We can't play on a pitch like that in a World Cup final. Spain are showing how strong they are, even on dry, uneven ground."
The MetLife Stadium pitch was also a topic of discussion before the final, mainly due to the adverse weather conditions that affected it. The pitch is mainly made up of natural grass, but laid on top of a synthetic grass base, which means it dries quickly during high temperatures. Vinícius Júnior had already lamented the situation, stating: "With the heat, the grass dries out and the game becomes slow. We can't find the rhythm." Didier Deschamps also criticized the conditions of the pitch.
Adding to these issues, FIFA has announced plans to sell the ground after the final, allowing fans to purchase a patch of grass on the pitch for an estimated profit of almost ten million euros. However, this plan has raised questions about the legality of the sale. A New Jersey spokesperson said: "The taxpayer should receive a share of the profits as millions have been invested to create this natural grass pitch for the World Cup." Others stressed that the sale should be authorized by the state, given that the camp is publicly owned.
FIFA has sought to clarify that the initiative for the sale of the pitch comes from the city, with the federation receiving only a small commission. "It is not true that we will collect 11 million dollars," declared FIFA representatives, trying to defuse the controversy surrounding this issue.
What happens now
Following Rooney's criticism, FIFA is likely to review its procedures for planning future events, especially ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Concerns over the playing field could lead to greater focus on the conditions of the pitches where matches are held. Furthermore, FIFA may consider limiting the length of breaks to avoid similar situations in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Wayne Rooney criticize about the FIFA halftime show?
Wayne Rooney has criticized FIFA's halftime show, calling it 'terrible' and saying it violated FIFA rules regarding the length of the break.
Who confirmed the criticisms on the pitch at MetLife Stadium?
Former striker Ian Wright confirmed criticism of the MetLife Stadium pitch, calling it 'ridiculous, irregular and miserable'.
Why has Wayne Rooney expressed his criticism now?
Wayne Rooney expressed his criticism after attending the halftime show during the World Cup final, which lasted longer than expected.
What changes have been made to the halftime show program?
FIFA had reduced the halftime show program to seventeen minutes, but the break lasted for over twenty-seven minutes.
What problems did the pitch at MetLife Stadium have?
The MetLife Stadium pitch has faced criticism for its condition, which made it difficult for players, including Lionel Messi, to control the ball.
