“This Isn’t Football” — Mariska Slams Club World Cup Chaos After Storm Delay
"This Isn’t Football" Mariska Slams Club World Cup Chaos After Storm Delay
Chelsea Manager Enzo Mariska Criticizes Match Delay After Wild 4-1 Win
Chelsea manager Enzo Mariska strongly criticized the Club World Cup organizers after his team’s Round of 16 match against Benfica was delayed by more than two hours due to severe weather in Charlotte. The match, which finally resumed and ended in a 4-1 victory for Chelsea in extra time, lasted a total of four hours and 39 minutes, concluding at 1:39 AM BST.
“This isn’t football,” said Mariska. “It’s a joke.”
His remarks came in the aftermath of six tournament games already impacted by weather, raising serious concerns about the suitability of the United States as host, especially with the FIFA World Cup 2026 just one year away.
Storm Chaos Continues in Club World Cup
The disruption was caused by a lightning storm near Bank of America Stadium. According to U.S. safety regulations, any detected lightning within an eight-mile radius of the venue requires an immediate suspension of play. Players, staff, and fans were quickly evacuated to indoor areas for safety.
This latest interruption added fuel to ongoing criticism of holding key summer tournaments in regions with storm-prone weather, where delays and extreme conditions are common.
Mariska Expresses Frustration
Speaking after the win, Mariska didn’t hold back:
“You don’t suspend World Cup games. You don’t suspend matches in Europe. But here, we’ve already had six or seven suspensions in just two weeks. That’s a serious issue.”
During the two-hour pause, players tried to stay loose by cycling on exercise bikes and doing light stretches inside the dressing room. However, Mariska believes the momentum was lost, and the game’s entire flow was changed.
Match Timeline (BST)
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | Kick-off |
| 22:53 | Match suspended (85th minute), Chelsea up 1-0 |
| 00:47 | Match resumes |
| 00:57 | Ángel Di María equalizes with a penalty (1-1) |
| 01:39 | Full-time: Chelsea wins 4-1 in extra time |
Weather Impacts & Match Performance
Chelsea players like Mark Cucurella, Levi Colwill, and Tosin Adarabioyo were visibly annoyed when forced to leave the pitch with only five minutes remaining in regular time.
The team had been in control, with Reece James scoring the opener in the 64th minute. However, Benfica equalized soon after the restart through Ángel Di María, which took the game into extra time.
Chelsea responded powerfully in extra time with goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni was also sent off during the added period, ending their hopes.
Players React to the Delay
Reece James called the experience “mentally exhausting,” noting the difficulty of staying focused and physically ready amid the heat and humidity.
Meanwhile, Trevoh Chalobah humorously posted on social media:
“Game started Saturday and ended on Sunday — crazy!”
A senior Chelsea official also admitted there was confusion and frustration among staff throughout the ordeal.
Is the U.S. Ready to Host the 2026 World Cup?
This match has reignited debate over whether the U.S. is adequately prepared to host major football tournaments during the summer, especially with multiple delays already marring this Club World Cup.
Some are urging FIFA to reconsider scheduling or introduce indoor stadium options, as climate-related disruptions continue to increase.
Mariska’s bold remarks reflect a growing tension between climate challenges and international football planning.
Table of Contents
1. Why was the Chelsea vs Benfica match delayed?
The match was suspended for over 2 hours due to lightning storms within 8 miles of the stadium, per U.S. safety rules.
2. What was the final score of Chelsea vs Benfica?
Chelsea won 4-1 after extra time, with goals from Nkunku, Neto, and Dewsbury-Hall.
3. What did Enzo Mariska say about the match delay?
Mariska called the situation a “joke”, claiming that such interruptions aren’t normal in football and the U.S. might not be the right host country.
