ITV and BBC to screen full World Cup final half-time show despite time concerns

ITV and BBC are planning to screen in full Fifa’s controversial half-time show from the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, but the broadcasters remain in the dark over how long it will last.

The Guardian revealed last month that there were concerns among broadcasters at the length of the half-time spectacle, which has been curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and will feature Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and the K‑pop boyband BTS. They are planning for the interval to last between 25 and 30 minutes.

Both UK rights holders have decided to broadcast the show in full because, with the requirements to set up and remove the stage from the pitch, they anticipate having sufficient time to analyse the game as well.

Fifa held a half-time show at the Club World Cup final last year at the same venue, which led to a total break of 24 minutes, but that took place in the stands and with the additional requirements of setting up on the pitch the delay on Sunday could be longer. The show is projected to last about 11 minutes.

The laws of the game overseen by the International Football Association Board state that “players are entitled to an interval at half‑time, not exceeding 15 minutes, and it may be altered only with the referee’s permission”. Fifa is therefore potentially breaching that but is not believed to have received any pushback from officials at Ifab.

Fifa has increased significantly the pre-match entertainment on offer at this World Cup tournament in a nod to the expectations of the American market in particular.

The first matches in each of the host countries featured lengthy musical opening ceremonies, with Shakira and Burna Boy headlining an extensive pre-match show before Mexico defeated South Africa in the Mexico City Stadium.

Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé headlined a show in Toronto before Canada v Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Katy Perry fronted a performance before the USA’s first game against Paraguay.

Fifa’s president, Gianni Infantino, has described the half-time show as “groundbreaking spectacle” that will “celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle”.

Fifa will also stage a closing ceremony 90 minutes before kick-off at the final, which will feature performances from Robbie Williams and Jennifer Hudson.