Maresca Slams US Club World Cup Hosting After Lightning Delay Disrupts Chelsea-Benfica Clash OR Chelsea's Maresca Questions US Viability for Club World Cup After Lengthy Lightning Delay

Thursday - 31/07/2025 03:03

Chelsea's coach, Enzo Maresca, has criticized FIFA for hosting the Club World Cup in the United States, citing weather-related disruptions. Saturday's match against Benfica was delayed for two hours due to lightning, ultimately lasting nearly five hours. Maresca questioned the suitability of the U.S. as a venue, pointing to extreme heat and multiple weather delays.

Maresca Questions US Hosting After Lightning Delays Chelsea-Benfica Clash

Chelsea's coach, Enzo Maresca, has voiced his concerns regarding FIFA's decision to hold the Club World Cup in the United States. His comments came after a two-hour lightning delay disrupted Chelsea's match against Benfica on Saturday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The game ultimately stretched to nearly five hours.

Chelsea coach Maresca gestures during Club World Cup match in Charlotte.

The match was halted with just four minutes left in regular time. Fans were instructed to evacuate the seating areas, marking the sixth weather-related delay within the tournament's initial 50 games.

Maresca stated, "If they are already suspending six, seven, eight games, probably there is something that is not working well," suggesting that the United States "is not the right place to do this competition."

Despite the disruption, Chelsea managed to secure a 4-1 victory over Benfica in extra time. The Portuguese side had previously equalized with a stoppage-time penalty following the extended delay.

Chelsea captain Reece James also expressed his dissatisfaction, saying the delay "had to sit and wait for a long period, and it's quite disruptive."

The tournament has been plagued by issues, including extreme heat. Temperatures at some venues reached almost 100 degrees Fahrenheit during daytime matches, scheduled to suit European television audiences.

This expanded Club World Cup is seen as a trial run for the upcoming 48-team World Cup in 2026, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

FIFA has faced criticism concerning pitch conditions, match scheduling, and their handling of weather interruptions throughout the tournament.

Interestingly, despite the lightning warning that led to the delay at Bank of America Stadium, no actual rainfall occurred at the venue.