Maresca Blasts Club World Cup Delays as "Joke," Raises 2026 World Cup Concerns

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has launched a scathing attack on the persistent weather delays plaguing the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, branding them "a joke" and "not football." His outspoken comments come after Chelsea's quarter-final clash against Benfica was halted for nearly two hours due to a storm warning, marking the sixth such significant interruption in the tournament.

The Blues ultimately secured a 4-1 extra-time victory over Benfica in a match that stretched for an extraordinary four hours and 39 minutes from kick-off to final whistle. However, the lengthy stoppage, attributed to US regulations requiring the suspension of outdoor sporting events in the event of lightning, overshadowed the on-field action.

"For me personally, it's not football," Maresca declared in his post-match press conference, visibly frustrated. "It's already six, seven, eight games they suspended here. I think it's a joke. It's completely amazing, it's something new that I struggle to understand."

While acknowledging the importance of player safety, Maresca questioned the suitability of the United States as a host nation for major football competitions if such widespread disruptions are to be expected. "If you suspend seven or eight games, that means that probably this is not the right place to do this competition," he asserted.

The Chelsea coach's strong sentiments resonate across the football world, particularly as the Club World Cup is widely seen as a crucial dress rehearsal for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With 11 of the 16 stadiums designated for the 2026 World Cup lacking roofs, the specter of similar weather-related chaos looms large.

"It's a fantastic competition, all the best clubs are here," Maresca added, clarifying his appreciation for the tournament itself. "But six, seven games suspended? It's not normal. In a World Cup, how many have they suspended? Probably zero. In a European Championship, how many games? Zero. There is some problem."

The Club World Cup has also grappled with extreme heat and humidity in several host cities, further intensifying concerns about player welfare and the integrity of the game. While FIFA maintains that established safety protocols are being followed, the unprecedented number of delays has put the spotlight firmly on the logistical challenges of hosting major tournaments in regions prone to unpredictable summer weather.

As the tournament progresses, FIFA faces mounting pressure to address these issues and provide clarity on how similar situations will be managed during the much-anticipated 2026 World Cup. The fear remains that meteorological disruptions, rather than on-field brilliance, could become a defining characteristic of future global football showpieces.

Source: Sky Sports