The Cure's frontman Robert Smith has publicly criticised FIFA's decision to stage a half-time show at Sunday's World Cup final, calling on the organisation to "just f— off" in a pair of pointed Instagram posts. The move marks the first time a half-time show has featured at a World Cup final, and it has drawn wider criticism alongside FIFA's introduction of in-game "hydration breaks", which fans have reportedly booed inside stadiums.

The 11-minute show, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, will feature Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and BTS ahead of the Argentina v Spain final at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, though broadcasters expect the full interval to stretch to around 30 minutes, breaching FIFA's own 15-minute rule. Smith clarified he was not attacking the performers themselves but objected to the concept of a half-time show at a World Cup final and to Donald Trump's planned appearance alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino to present the trophy. Smith, a lifelong Queens Park Rangers fan, made the comments as The Cure continue their European festival tour, with England having already been eliminated from the tournament following a 2-1 defeat to Argentina.