Maresca Slams Chelsea’s Two-Hour Weather Delay as ‘A Joke’ and Critiques U.S. Club World Cup Venue Selections

Chelsea’s coach, Enzo Maresca, didn’t hold back after weather delays marred the Club World Cup match against Benfica. He called the situation a “joke” and questioned if some U.S. cities are suitable hosts for big tournaments.

In Charlotte, storms caused a nearly two-hour pause in the match, which Chelsea eventually won 4-1 in extra time. Maresca was frustrated by the 113-minute delay, pointing out that this was the sixth delay during the tournament and the third each lasting over an hour.

He expressed confusion about the frequent interruptions, saying, “If you suspend seven or eight games, it suggests something isn’t right. It doesn’t feel like football.”

Maresca acknowledges the need for safety but struggled with the mental shift after such a long break. Players tried to stay focused, riding bikes and kicking a ball in the dressing room, but Maresca felt it wasn’t the same. “You break the tempo,” he argued. He noted that fans outside the stadium were distracted, laughing and chatting, making it hard to regain the game’s intensity.

Chelsea’s win means they’re set to face Palmeiras in Philadelphia. If they win that, they’ll play semi-finals and potentially a final at other venues that experienced weather delays, like MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Weather Delays: A Common Issue

This isn’t new for the Club World Cup. Before Chelsea’s match, five games were already postponed due to storms. About 900 miles away, another game in Cincinnati was delayed by almost 100 minutes. Even MetLife Stadium had issues, showing that adverse weather is a recurring challenge.

Industry experts suggest that weather interruptions could continue. Ben Schott from the National Weather Service noted that thunderstorms are typical this time of year, particularly in the eastern U.S. He pointed out, “It’s not unusual to have storms every few days.”

This brings forth a crucial point: while these delays affect the current tournament, they may also pose problems for the upcoming World Cup.

Future Concerns and Solutions

To tackle this, venues with roofs, like Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, could be more favorable for future events. Roofs help maintain game flow, even in unpredictable weather.

As crews plan for future events, including the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, coordination with weather services will be essential. This could mitigate potential delays and enhance the overall experience for players and fans alike.

Ultimately, while Maresca’s frustrations are valid, they underline a larger conversation about the need for reliability in sports venues. With climate patterns shifting, adapting to these challenges is more important now than ever.

You can learn more about weather’s impact on sports events from the National Weather Service.

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Chelsea, FIFA Club World Cup, Sports Business