Just watching this on SKY and the ref called a "cooling break" to let the players have a drink. Had the sound off as my daughter's doing her homework so couldn't hear the commentary.
Happened a lot during pre-season, but obviously different as they were not competitve games. I know it will be the same in Qatar due to the heat so perhaps is a new thing if referees feel the players need a drink.
Therefore, to assess the risk of playing, FIFA measures not only the air temperature but what is called the “Wet Bulb Globe Temperature” (WBGT). At FIFA matches, additional cooling breaks are considered when WBGT is above 32°C.
Been going on for a while now. Definitely happened in Brazil and I'm pretty sure ref's have been able to use their discretion for a quick drinks break for many years. Pretty sure i remember it happening at the Japan/Korea world cup. Think the big difference now is that they are becoming compulsory above a certain temperature.
Comments
http://www.fifa.com/development/medical/players-health/minimising-risks/heat.html
Only a good idea if it keeps players alive.