Maresca Blasts 'Joke' Club World Cup Weather Delays, Questions U.S. Hosting Choice

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has openly questioned the decision to host the Club World Cup in the United States, labeling the lengthy weather delay during his team's round-of-16 victory over Benfica as "a joke".

The Blues secured their place in the quarter-finals against Palmeiras with a 4-1 extra-time win, in a match marred by a two-hour stoppage due to adverse weather conditions. This delay was the second-longest weather-related suspension in the tournament's history.

Reece James had put Chelsea ahead with a 64th-minute free-kick, but with only four minutes remaining, Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic halted proceedings due to nearby lightning strikes.

After the game resumed, with a significant portion of the 25,929 spectators having departed, Benfica were awarded a penalty in stoppage time for a handball by Malo Gusto. Ángel Di María converted the spot-kick, forcing the match into extra time.

Following a 92nd-minute red card for Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, Chelsea regained control, with Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall all finding the net. However, Maresca remained deeply critical of the logistical challenges presented by the weather delays.

Notably, Saturday's game marked the sixth Club World Cup fixture to be affected by weather-related disruptions.

"We didn't concede anything; we created enough chances to win the game," Maresca stated. "And then after the break, the game changed completely. I think for me personally it's not football... It's already seven, eight, nine games that they suspended. I think it's a joke to be honest, it's not football. You cannot be inside [for so long]."

Maresca further elaborated, "It's completely something new but I struggle to understand... But if you suspend seven, eight games, that means that probably is not the right place to do this competition."

When questioned about the potential damage the delays could inflict on the competition's reputation, Maresca responded, "Please, don't misunderstand me. I said it's a fantastic competition. It's a Club World Cup. It's top. We are happy to be in the last eight. We are happy to win all these kind of things."

He added, "But something happens, six, seven games suspended, probably the one[s] that they decide, they need a reason, because it's not normal to suspend a game. In a World Cup, how many games are suspended? Zero, probably. In Europe, how many games? Zero."

"We are here, two weeks, they're already suspended six, seven games. There is some problem for me personally."

Maresca concluded, "But I'm talking as a manager. Because when you are two hours inside, you try to keep them in the game, but for two hours, they are speaking with the family outside for safety reasons. They are eating something, they are playing, they are laughing. How can you keep them two hours inside, focused? It's a joke."