World Cup Matches Risk Hours-Long Weather Delays as FIFA Lacks a 30-Minute Cutoff Rule
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 3
World Cup Matches Risk Hours-Long Weather Delays as FIFA Lacks a 30-Minute Cutoff Rule
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 3
Summary
World Cup games in the U.S., Canada and Mexico could be delayed for hours because FIFA has no regulation setting a maximum stoppage before a match must be called off.
U.S. thunderstorm rules require play to stop immediately if lightning is detected within 8 miles of a stadium, then restart only after 30 minutes pass without another strike.
Each new lightning strike resets that 30-minute clock to zero, forcing players into dressing rooms and moving fans to protected areas inside the venue.
FIFA said last month it is coordinating with meteorological and emergency agencies across all 16 host cities and monitoring heat and weather conditions in real time.
Last summer's Club World Cup in the United States showed the disruption risk: Chelsea's match against Benfica in Charlotte stretched to 4 hours 38 minutes after a severe-weather stoppage.