FIFA Plan Half-Time Extension

Last updated : 22 February 2009 By Covsupport News Service
FIFA are planning on extending the half-time interval to twenty minutes.

Their Chief Executive Sepp Blatter is keen on the idea which was originally muted by German clubs interested in selling more sausages and beer at the break a few seasons ago.

Blatter wants the five minute extension to allow television companies to be able to sell more premium advertising space during matches.

However, the Premier League and the FA are likely to oppose the idea at at FIFA meeting next week in Belfast.

Premier League Chief Executive Peter Scudamore told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek: "We wouldn't be in favour of that at all.

"It is up before the International Board but we believe 15 minutes is enough. "It is all very well for a percentage of people who can escape back into the warm and do various things in that time and I am sure it has got some merits somewhere but I think we support the Football Supporters' Federation here. "We don't think it has got merit."

An FA Spokesman said: "We are mindful of supporters' views and also our clubs in the Premier League. "It is very unlikely we will be supporting it in the discussions next week."