FREETOWN – The Sierra Leone Premier League Board (PLB) has announced the immediate introduction of cooling breaks in all Premier League matches to protect players from extreme heat.
In a Public Notice dated Thursday 29th October 2026 and signed by the PLB Secretariat at 21 Battery Street, Kingtom, Freetown, the Board said cooling breaks will now be observed in both halves of every match.
“With immediate effect, cooling breaks will be observed during both halves of all Premier League matches. This measure is intended to promote the welfare, safety, and well-being of players during matches,” the Board stated.
All clubs, match commissioners, referees and stakeholders have been ordered to comply.
Why Now?
The decision comes as Sierra Leone faces unusually high temperatures this dry season. Earlier today, we reported on how Freetonians are struggling to sleep due to heat and blackout.
On the pitch, the heat is dangerous. Players running for 90 minutes in 32°C – 35°C heat, wearing boots and shin guards, risk dehydration, dizziness, muscle cramps, heat exhaustion and even heatstroke.
Currently, most Premier League matches kick off at 4:15 p.m. when the sun is still very hot, especially in Bo, Kenema, Makeni and Port Loko.
What Is A Cooling Break?
Under FIFA and FIFPro guidelines, a cooling break is not a tactical timeout. It is a mandatory water and rest break ordered by the referee:
– When: Approximately 25th–30th minute of first half and 70th–75th minute of second half, for about 3 minutes.
– Duration: 90 seconds to 3 minutes, both teams must return to technical area, drink water, use wet towels, ice packs
– FIFA Law: Law 7 allows referee to stop for “cooling breaks” when Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 32°C. Below that, leagues can still introduce it for player welfare.
The PLB has not stated WBGT threshold – it has made it mandatory for ALL matches, not just when it is extremely hot.
This follows similar moves in Africa. Last week, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) on 23rd October ordered mandatory cooling breaks around 25th and 70th minutes as the country hit 42°C, and moved Super League kick-offs from 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Malawi also ordered clubs to provide enough drinking water and have medical personnel on standby.
FIFPro, the world players union, is even pushing for cooling breaks every 15 minutes and 20-minute half-time to reduce core body temperature, after nine host cities for the 2026 World Cup in USA/Mexico were flagged as “extreme risk.”
What It Means For Clubs
1. Referees will now add cooling break time to stoppage time
2. Clubs must provide enough water, ice, and shaded technical areas
3. Medical teams must be ready for heat-related illness
4. Coaches cannot use it as extra coaching time – it is strictly for player welfare
