The Tunisian Football Federation has confirmed that all Ligue 1 fixtures this month will feature mandatory cooling breaks in response to extreme summer heat.
Under the new directive, referees will pause matches in the 30th and 75th minutes to allow players to hydrate and recover from the challenging playing conditions.
The measure is designed to protect the health and performance of athletes during what is expected to be one of the hottest periods of the year.
The breaks will be brief but strictly enforced, with match officials instructed to stop play at the designated times regardless of the scoreline or phase of play.
Players will be permitted to drink water and, where possible, move into shaded areas on the sidelines before resuming the match.
Due to the high temperatures this August, players will be given a Cooling Break to rest and drink water, the Federation said in its statement. Referees will be required to stop matches midway through the first and second periods.
The move follows similar precautions adopted in other football leagues around the world when faced with extreme weather conditions.
Experts warn that sustained exposure to high heat during intense physical activity can lead to dehydration, reduced performance, and in severe cases, heat-related illnesses.
Clubs and coaching staff have welcomed the decision, with many viewing it as a necessary step to safeguard player welfare without significantly disrupting the flow of games.
Medical teams are also expected to use the opportunity to check on players’ wellbeing and provide immediate assistance if required.
While Tunisia’s football calendar traditionally runs through the summer months, the current heatwave has brought unusually high temperatures across much of the country.
The federation’s intervention ensures that the league can continue without compromising player safety.
The cooling break policy will remain in effect for the duration of August, with the possibility of extension should extreme weather persist.
The measure reflects an increasing awareness in professional sport of the impact of climate and environmental factors on athlete performance and health.
As the Ligue 1 season progresses, fans will see these pauses become a standard feature of matches, blending seamlessly into the rhythm of play while giving players vital moments of relief from the heat.
For many, it is a small but significant reminder that even in the fast-paced world of professional football, safety must take precedence over spectacle.
