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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 47156, member: 636"] Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca criticized weather delays at the Club World Cup after his team beat Benfica 4-1 following a two-hour suspension. The match lasted four hours and 39 minutes due to thunderstorms near the Charlotte stadium. Officials stopped play with Chelsea leading 1-0 and five minutes remaining in regulation time. The Italian coach called the situation a joke and questioned whether America should host such tournaments. He said the delays make the competition unlike normal football. Tournament organizers have suspended six games because of summer storms across five American cities. Safety rules require play to stop when lightning appears within eight miles of venues. Players and fans must move indoors until conditions improve. Maresca said his team controlled the match before the break but struggled after the lengthy interruption. Benfica tied the score after play resumed before Chelsea scored three goals in extra time. Players used exercise bikes and practiced ball skills to stay ready during the weather delay. The heat and humidity also created problems for teams throughout the tournament. Several other matches faced similar interruptions lasting between 40 and 90 minutes. FIFA officials said safety must come before game flow when organizing competitions. The organization follows established protocols for severe weather conditions. Many American stadiums lack roofs that could prevent such delays. The 2026 World Cup will use some covered venues but storms may still affect matches. Tournament director Arsene Wenger acknowledged the delays were not ideal but defended putting security first. FIFA has not responded to the manager's complaints about the venue choice. [/QUOTE]

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