Fifa defends 2014 kick-off times

Fifa has refuted suggestions that it has put commercial considerations before the health of players in deciding on kick-off times for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Several matches will be played in the early afternoon in tropical venues.

With most of Brazil three hours behind GMT, the times are favourable for European viewers. "Every decision we make takes into consideration the health of the players," the Fifa general secretary, Jerome Valcke, said.