Chelsea Manager Maresca Criticizes Six Weather Delays at Club World Cup in US

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca criticized the frequent weather delays at the Club World Cup held in the United States, calling the two-hour storm interruption during his team's extra-time 4-1 victory over Benfica "a joke" and suggesting the tournament should be hosted elsewhere. This match was the sixth to be halted due to lightning-related safety rules, which Maresca argued disrupt the game's tempo and are not in line with typical World Cup or European Championship standards where such delays are rare or nonexistent. Despite the delays, Chelsea advanced to the quarter-finals and Maresca expressed continued support for the Club World Cup, noting its expansion to 32 teams and its role as a build-up to the 2026 World Cup in North America. However, Maresca emphasized that the repeated suspensions undermine the competition's integrity, as matches lose their rhythm and the experience is compromised for players and fans alike. He acknowledged the necessity of safety precautions but questioned the suitability of the U.S. as a host given the frequency of weather-related stoppages. Maresca's comments highlight growing concerns about the logistical challenges of staging outdoor football tournaments in regions prone to lightning delays.