The Club World Cup match between Ulsan of South Korea and Mamelodi Sundowns, the African Champions League runners-up, was delayed by over an hour due to a lightning threat just before kickoff. As the teams were set to begin their Group F clash at Inter & Co Stadium, French referee Clement Turpin decided to take the players off the field for safety reasons.
The teams were off the pitch for approximately 50 minutes, returning for a brief warm-up before the game eventually started at 7:05 PM local time, instead of the scheduled 6 PM. Despite the ominous dark clouds and increased wind in the area, there was no immediate rain, yet officials were cautious, as lightning risk is a common concern in central Florida, where rapidly changing weather patterns can pose significant dangers.
During the delay, spectators were also instructed to exit their seats and take shelter in the concourse area while security ensured the field was clear of all personnel. With Florida experiencing a significant heat wave, weather conditions were already precarious, making the decision to delay the match a prudent one for the safety of everyone involved.
Interestingly, this incident mirrors situations faced in other sporting events where weather has impacted schedules. For example, a recent match involving Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami was postponed due to heavy snowfall, underscoring the unpredictable nature of weather affecting sports globally. As safety remains the highest priority, fans can only hope for better conditions in future matches.
This Club World Cup represents a significant opportunity for teams to showcase their skills on an international stage, and despite the weather hiccup, fans are eagerly looking forward to witnessing the exciting clash of teams from different continents.
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