Enzo Maresca, the Chelsea head coach, didn't hold back his feelings after his team's Club World Cup match against Benfica was delayed for nearly two hours due to severe weather. He described the situation as "a joke," questioning the suitability of the United States as host for the tournament, especially after multiple weather-related disruptions.
The match, held in Charlotte, North Carolina, was suspended with Chelsea leading 1-0 with only a few minutes left in normal time, thanks to a goal from Reece James. A thunderstorm and the risk of lightning in the stadium's vicinity forced players and fans to seek shelter. Strict safety regulations in the U.S. mandate a 30-minute delay for any lightning detected within a five-mile radius, with the clock resetting each time lightning is spotted.
The delay stretched to almost two hours before play resumed. Benfica then equalized with a controversial penalty in stoppage time, sending the game into extra time. Despite the setback, Chelsea ultimately won 4-1, with goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in extra time. A sending off for Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni also aided Chelsea's cause. The entire match took almost five hours to complete.
Maresca expressed his frustration, stating that suspending the game for such a long period transforms it into something other than football. He highlighted the difficulty of maintaining the players' focus during the extended break, noting that they were speaking with family, eating, and generally losing their match readiness. He acknowledged the need for security measures but questioned the location's viability for hosting the competition if such suspensions become frequent. He pointed out that such lengthy delays are rare in major tournaments like the World Cup or European competitions.
Maresca admitted that the lengthy interruption impacted his team, who had been in control for the first 85 minutes. He noted that Chelsea conceded chances immediately after the restart, which he attributed to a shift in mentality caused by the delay. He said that the Benfica players had to chase the game while his team had been resting inside. Despite his annoyance at the delay, Maresca praised his team's performance and attitude throughout the match. He was happy to progress to the quarter-finals of the competition, where Chelsea will face Palmeiras.
The Chelsea manager's critique reflects broader concerns about player safety and the integrity of the game when faced with extreme weather conditions. While safety is paramount, the length and frequency of these delays raise questions about contingency planning and the selection of host venues for major tournaments.
