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Athletes and fans at risk due to extreme temperatures at the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA

Петър Денев

18.06.2025 • 15:45

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Athletes and fans at risk due to extreme temperatures at the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA — Снимка от Pexels

The record high temperatures and humidity during the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA are creating serious health problems for players and spectators. This forced FIFPRO and PFA to call for changes in the calendar, including cooling breaks or rescheduling of matches. However, FIFA is defending its protocols, despite warnings of "real suffering" from the coaches.

The start of the FIFA Club World Cup (June 15 - July 13) in the USA was marked by record summer temperatures above 32°C and humidity around 70% at stadiums like Rose Bowl, Miami and Los Angeles. During the match between PSG and Atletico Madrid, a number of fans were forced to leave, severely dehydrated. This forced FIFPRO and PFA to insist on changes to the calendar with the organizers, proposing the introduction of cooling breaks or rescheduling matches to cooler times of the day.

English coach Thomas Tuchel described the conditions as "real suffering" for the participants. Nevertheless, FIFA defends its protocols, claiming that they are in line with the International Match Calendar. The expanded format of the tournament with 32 teams poses a serious question about the safety of holding matches in the hot summer months, which could lead to changes in the schedule in the coming seasons.