Advertisements during sports broadcasts - the KRRiT explains
21.07.2026
The recent FIFA World Cup introduced a new approach to the organisation of television broadcasts. The introduction of so-called 'hydration breaks' during matches, during which advertisements were shown, raised numerous questions from viewers regarding the compliance of such practices with current regulations. We therefore provide the following clarification regarding the rules on the broadcasting of adverts during sports events.
In broadcasts of sporting competitions, advertisements may only be shown during breaks stipulated by the regulations governing the competition (in accordance with Article 16a(2) of the Broadcasting Act). This means that if the competition organiser includes official breaks during a match, then the broadcasting of advertisements is permitted during those breaks. This provision applies to all broadcasters covering such events.
This also applies to regulation hydration breaks. These have been officially incorporated into the ‘Laws of the Game’ drawn up by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which is responsible for drafting and amending the rules for all football competitions. This organisation includes, amongst others, FIFA.
The rules provide for the possibility of scheduling hydration breaks, the duration of which may be determined by the organiser of the competition in question in accordance with the applicable regulations. FIFA has made use of this option by introducing two, three-minute hydration breaks during each match into the regulations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. If a break forms part of the competition rules (as was the case here), it is treated as a statutory break within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act. It is worth noting that the duration of adverts broadcast during such breaks is counted towards the statutory advertising time limits. Compliance with these limits forms part of the ongoing monitoring carried out by the National Broadcasting Council.