Gianni Infantino Addresses World Cup Weather Concerns As Enzo Fernandez Calls For Schedule Changes

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FIFA plans to use covered stadiums for daytime matches at the next World Cup. This decision follows Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez's concerns about the extreme conditions at the Club World Cup. The tournament faced issues like intense heat and storms across various host cities. Chelsea's semi-final win over Fluminense at MetLife Stadium, where temperatures exceeded 35°C, highlighted these challenges.

Gianni Infantino, speaking in Manhattan, acknowledged the criticisms FIFA has received regarding the tournament conditions. He stated, "Every criticism we receive is a source for us to study and analyse what we can do better." Infantino emphasised that cooling breaks are crucial and mentioned that stadiums with roofs will be utilised during daytime matches next year.

The upcoming World Cup will feature 16 venues, with 11 located in the United States. However, several of these stadiums, such as Arrowhead Stadium and Levi's Stadium, are partially exposed to weather elements. This exposure raises concerns about player safety and comfort during matches held in extreme conditions.

Infantino also addressed the interest from teams not qualified for the Club World Cup. He revealed that some European teams have expressed a desire to participate despite not meeting qualification criteria. "Some teams from Europe who didn't qualify called us and asked if they could participate," he said.

Infantino mentioned discussions about potentially adjusting country limits for participating teams in future tournaments. He noted that there are many aspects to consider, such as whether to allow two or four teams per country. These considerations aim to enhance the tournament experience for both players and fans.

The presence of US President Donald Trump at Sunday's final was confirmed by Infantino. He expressed optimism about improving future tournaments despite current challenges. "We have had criticisms, and we must do better," he stated.

The focus remains on addressing current issues while planning for future improvements in tournament organisation and logistics. FIFA aims to ensure a better experience for all stakeholders involved in its flagship events.