Lightning Delay Sparks Concerns: Chelsea Manager Questions US as Ideal Club World Cup Host

Maresca Voices Concerns as Lightning Disrupts Chelsea-Benfica Clash

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has questioned FIFA's choice of the United States as host for the Club World Cup. His comments followed a lengthy two-hour delay caused by lightning during Saturday's match against Benfica at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The game's total duration stretched to nearly five hours.

The match was paused with just four minutes left in regulation time, and fans were instructed to evacuate the seating areas. This incident marked the sixth weather-related delay in 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." He further suggested that the United States "is not the right place to do this competition."

Despite the disruptions, Chelsea ultimately triumphed over Benfica with a 4-1 victory in extra time. Benfica managed to score an equalizer through a penalty in stoppage time, following the extended delay.

Chelsea captain Reece James voiced his frustration, saying the team "had to sit and wait for a long period, and it's quite disruptive."

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

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

FIFA has also faced criticism regarding pitch conditions and match scheduling, in addition to the handling of weather-induced interruptions throughout the tournament.

Adding to the frustration, no actual rainfall occurred at Bank of America Stadium despite the lightning warning that triggered the delay.