FIFA faces potential problems due to weather delays with World Cup group finals scheduled to start at the same time
Weather delays to final World Cup group matches could cause genuine problems for FIFA (Image: (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images))
The final group stage matches of the World Cup could be affected by manipulation, with FIFA admitting that matches may not be played simultaneously due to potential weather delays. So far, the only match affected by the severe storm was France vs. Iraq, which ended nearly four hours after kick-off.
Since this was each team’s second group stage match, the delay was not a major problem. However, this may not be the case if critical equipment is affected by heavy rain or lightning in the coming days.
Since the 1982 World Cup, when the infamous “Dijon humiliation” occurred, final group matches have been scheduled at the same kick-off time. In this tournament, West Germany and Austria were accused of deciding to win 1-0 with West Germany ensuring both teams qualified for the final round at the expense of Algeria.
However, the Times reports that no special provisions have been made for the possibility of severe summer weather, so there is no guarantee that the ruling will be able to continue in the coming days.
However, Article 12.4 of the Official Rules provides a clear ruling: “Unless otherwise provided by FIFA (e.g. in the case of force majeure), the last two matches of each group will have simultaneous kick-off times on the same day.”
There is no official word on whether the matches will finish at the same time, so FIFA will rely on the health of both teams affected by the weather interruption.
Sign up now for the Make Football Great Again newsletter and get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox!
This is the only time this has happened so far in this tournament, with France leading Iraq 1-0 at half-time. Heavy rain rolled in late in the first 45 minutes, and a thunderstorm forecast over Philadelphia initially prevented the players from returning to the pitch in the second half.
The conditions eventually passed and the match resumed after a delay of nearly two hours, with France winning 3-0.
England were affected by unexpected weather conditions in the United States before the start of the tournament, with their final friendly against New Zealand starting an hour later than scheduled.
England drew with Ghana in the World Cup on Tuesday.
Although there was no sign of thunder or lightning, England’s second group game against Ghana was played in wet conditions, with Thomas Tuchel’s side forced to settle for a disappointing 0-0 draw.
A few hours later, Croatia beat Panama 1-0, eliminating Panama from the World Cup, where the Three Lions will play this Saturday.
The final set of group games kicks off on Wednesday night, with Switzerland battling Canada for the top spot in a straight shootout. Meanwhile, Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina will be aiming for wins to qualify as perhaps the best third-place team.
Scotland continue their fascinating game against Brazil in the evening, while Morocco face Haiti, who have already been eliminated.
