Alan Shearer slams 'crazy' FIFA motive after disruptive incident during England vs Ghana

Alan Shearer was not impressed with FIFA's motives to not let two separate breaks overlap during England vs Ghana. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Alan Shearer slammed the referee's failure to call for the hydration break during England vs Ghana, during a separate stoppage.

The hydration break, one of the most-hated aspects of the 2026 World Cup, would have slotted in near perfectly during the stoppage.

The event occurred after Reece James and Jordan Ayew collided heads, prompting a brief break from the game.

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Alan Shearer slams suspect FIFA motive during England vs Ghana

Alan Shearer on punditry duties with a mic in his ear, looking down. — Alan Shearer and Guy Mowbray both suspect that FIFA have certain motives for not allowing two separate breaks to overlap during England vs Ghana. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Shearer, the highest goalscorer in Premier League history, was far from impressed after the event.

As the game was stopped, and the hydration break near, it did not sit right with the ex-England international that the referee refused to allow them to overlap.

Reece James against Ghana — Reece James and Jordan Ayew colliding heads prompted the first break to occur. (Image credit: Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

Speaking on commentary duty alongside Guy Mowbray, the former Newcastle striker said: 'It's crazy for the referee to not just say 'let's have the hydration break now.'"

Mowbray then described a possible reason for the failed overlap, hinting at suspect FIFA motives: the esteemed commentator, one of football's most recognisable voices, surmised that it was likely due to advertising.

The World Cup trophy — Hydration breaks are a source of major controversy at the 2026 World Cup, with many arguing they're ruining the game itself. (Image credit: Getty Images)

As there was no advertising schedule lined up at that time, the decision was instead made to keep the hydration break separate.

Both commentators agreed with the assessment, as England's battle to beat Ghana in their Group L fixture was momentarily derailed to accommodate for two separate breaks.

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Kedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC, he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television, you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.