FIFA refuses to make changes to WC kickoff times despite players' health fears

FIFA has refused to make changes to kickoff times or adding mandatory cooling breaks during World Cup matches.

The comments from football's top governing body came despite being sued by Brazil's players' union because of health concerns.

According to the China Daily, FIFA said it spent nearly two years analyzing starting times for the tournament in Brazil and always took into consideration the players' health.

The players' federation, known as Fenapaf, had filed a lawsuit to change kickoff times of the 24 matches scheduled to start at 1 p.m. local time.

The federation said that the move was necessary as players could face serious health hazards because of intense heat and humidity in some venues.

It said FIFA, at least, must introduce two-minute water breaks in each half during those matches.

FIFA said it already made the schedule changes it felt were needed in the Brazilian cities with the highest temperatures.