sports
Fifa will not punish Fox for breaking advertising rules during World Cup opener
Broadcasts must return 30 seconds before play resumes
TL;DR
- Fox will not face punishment from Fifa for breaking advertising rules.
- The US broadcaster overran commercials during a hydration break in the Mexico vs. South Africa game.
- Fifa's rules require broadcasters to return to the match 30 seconds before play resumes after a hydration break.
- Fox claimed they were unaware the hydration break was signaled early.
- Fifa has accepted Fox's explanation and will take no action.
- Fox owns the English-language rights to World Cup games in the US.
- There have been no repeat incidents since the World Cup opener.
- Telemundo, the Spanish-language broadcaster, has not used full-screen advertising during hydration breaks.