The radical change that Conmebol made for Shakira’s show

The debate intensified when it was revealed that Shakira’s show had been extended to 25 minutes, which some consider a break with football tradition.

Traditionally, halftime at football matches lasts 15 minutes, a brief respite for players and fans before the return to action on the pitch. However, the need to set up a full stage, prepare audio and coordinate choreography for an artist of Shakira’s stature made the extension of the break inevitable.

Critics such as that of Uruguayan national team coach Marcelo Bielsa have expressed their concern about the diversion of attention from football to non-sporting matters. In Colombian media such as Caracol Radio’s ‘La Polémica’, journalist Diego Rueda stressed the importance of respecting the established rules of the game and avoiding excessive interruptions that could affect the players’ concentration.

On the other hand, proponents of the initiative argue that events like the Copa America final are not only a platform for sport, but also for culture and entertainment on a global level. Melissa Martinez, from Miami and with a more favorable perspective on Shakira’s show, mentioned that the inclusion of high-profile artistic events like this attracts diverse audiences and contributes to the overall appeal of the event.

Logistically, the extra time will allow organizers to not only set up the stage properly, but also maximize the impact of Shakira’s show, which is expected to include iconic hits such as “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Waka Waka.”

According to Juan José Buscalia and Tito Puccetti, renowned sports journalists, the detailed schedule includes six minutes for the initial assembly, seven minutes of performance and six minutes for dismantling, totaling 19 minutes of effective use.