World Cup fans 'being conned' - Keith Hackett explodes at FIFA rules: 'It's a joke'

World Cup supporters' frustrations deserve to be heard as FIFA's new rules continue to frustrate at this summer's tournament.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that match-going fans, and those at home, are "being conned" by the organisers.

The 2026 World Cup has seen new rules around time-wasting and hydration breaks implemented, some in the name of keeping the game flowing, and others keeping players safe.

Hydration breaks, specifically, however, are beginning to frustrate fan. Many believe that an increasing number of games do not require these breaks.

Hackett also believes that some of the new changes, like countdowns on goal-kicks and VAR checking corners not without their issues.

Some supporters are pushing for these new laws to be introduced into the Premier League, but for the most part, those back in England are extremely against them.

Keith Hackett infuriated by World Cup rules

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett left no stone unturned as he ripped apart the new rules at the 2026 World Cup this summer.

"I think we're all being conned. We all want to see the game flowing. We recognise that the five seconds on the throw-ins, as an impact, has been a deterrent," he said.

"But we're still see throwers holding onto the ball longer than five seconds and not being penalised. We see the substitutions having an impact, players going off at the nearest point, rather than actually walking as they have done across the silence field.

"So a lot of changes have been made to actually improve the flow of the game. But then the pack of laws come crashing to the ground because we have a game now of four quarters.

"I understand fully about the flow of the game, and what has impacted it in this World Cup so far is the nonsense of water breaks.

"I think it's a joke. They're not hydration breaks. They're having a drink of water, but it's an opportunity for tactical changes.

"We're seeing, not just the manager come onto the pitch, but we're also seeing staff going on and having a chat. No wonder the fans are reacting."

How have Premier League referees fared at the World Cup?

Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver have both been given the opportunity to officiate on the biggest stage, being the face of the Premier League at this summer's tournament.

Both have experienced relatively quiet World Cups so far, though Taylor did have one controversial call to make during Senegal's 5-0 win over Iraq.

In the 10th minute, Rebin Sulaka was shown a yellow card for a last-ditch challenge, only for VAR to suggest a review of his foul.

After a review at the pitch-side monitor, Taylor upgraded the card to a red for the Denial of a Goalscoring Opportunity (DOGSO), and the majority of fans agreed with the decision.