Club World Cup Chaos: Maresca Slams US Hosting After Lightning Delays Chelsea-Benfica Clash

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has voiced concerns regarding FIFA's decision to hold the Club World Cup in the United States. His comments came after Saturday's match between his team and Benfica was significantly delayed due to lightning. The game, held at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, experienced a two-hour suspension, ultimately stretching the match's duration to nearly five hours.

The interruption occurred with only four minutes remaining in regulation time. Stadium officials instructed fans to evacuate the seating areas, marking 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 lengthy delay, Chelsea emerged victorious with a 4-1 win over Benfica in extra time. The Portuguese side managed to level the score with a penalty in stoppage time, highlighting the disruptive impact of the interruption.

Chelsea captain Reece James echoed Maresca's sentiment, expressing his frustration: "had to sit and wait for a long period, and it's quite disruptive."

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

The expanded Club World Cup serves 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 regarding the condition of the pitches, match scheduling, and their overall management of weather-related disruptions during the tournament.

Adding to the irony, despite the lightning warning that triggered the delay at Bank of America Stadium, no rain actually fell at the venue.