Enzo Maresca, Gianni Infantino, Chelsea
Credit: Imago / Getty Images
Keith Hackett
Mon 30 June 2025 16:14, UK
Enzo Maresca can expect a visit from FIFA executives after the Chelsea boss lashed out at the Club World Cup weather delays, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that, while the Italian’s comments on the frustrating delays were accurate, he could have worded his rant better to the media.
During the Blues’ 4-1 win over Benfica in the Club World Cup round of 16 on Saturday, 28 June, with just minutes left on the clock, adverse weather conditions saw the game suspended for nearly two hours.
Emotions were clearly running high in North Carolina, and with the Portuguese giants being awarded a penalty for a handball on Malo Gusto, those same emotions bubbled over in the post-match conference.
Enzo Maresca hits out at Club World Cup delays
The manager labelled the suspensions a “joke” while also suggesting that America is not the “right place” to hold the tournament [Sky Sports], yet he earned the respect of a lot of football fans with his honesty.
With the game kicking off at 9pm BST, the game against Benfica finally concluded at 1:40am BST, with Di Maria’s goal from 12 yards sending the game to an extra 30 minutes.
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While the West London side do not face Palmeiras in the quarter-finals until Saturday, 5 July, it was still a frustrating evening for the squad, who were on the edge of being dumped out of the tournament ahead of extra time.
Enzo Maresca shouting during a Chelsea game
Enzo Maresca could not hide his frustrations in North Carolina. (Credit: Imago)
FIFA to visit Chelsea boss after honest comments
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “It was out of frustration. First of all, the competition cannot control the weather. As far as the Chelsea manager is concerned, at some point, the competition needs to consider abandoning the game at a specific point, with the scoreline the same.
It’s very difficult in tournaments because scheduling is so tight. I think it’s asking too much of the players. In this situation, the manager, rightly in my opinion, is making comments.
Keith Hackett
Keith Hackett expects FIFA to pay Enzo Maresca a visit due to his comments.
“He could say them in a different way and be more constructive, but in expressing concern, is this the right part of the world for this tournament at this time? He may receive a meeting with the FIFA executives, who ask him to calm down, but I think his comments are right.
“He didn’t expect his team to arrive at the stadium, and for his team still to be playing hours later, it’s not conducive to the health and safety of the players.”
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