Enzo Maresca was RIGHT to rage at two-hour storm stoppage in Chelsea’s Club World Cup quarter-final, writes KIERAN GILL… even five-set Wimbledon finals don’t last this long!

The FIFA officials in the Charlotte press room were polite enough, though after nearly two hours of us hoping they would suddenly morph into meteorologists, you could tell they were somewhat sick of being badgered for an update on Chelsea’s suspended Club World Cup clash with Benfica.

But then we were not the only ones wondering what on earth was happening. Even Cole Palmer left the Chelsea changing room to ask an official: ‘What’s going on?’ 

Answers were scarce as the players sat on spinning bikes to stay limber inside while the sun was shining outside.

All we knew was a single lightning strike, even 9.9 miles away from the Bank of America Stadium, would reset the 30-minute clock. And it did keep on resetting, much to Enzo Maresca’s frustration as this became the sixth fixture here in the United States to be suspended due to weather.

It was a potential glimpse into next summer’s World Cup. FIFA cannot control the clouds up above, but they can choose where their tournaments are held, and this competition involving Chelsea and Manchester City is showing us to be prepared for further delays this time next year.

Maresca’s point was valid. After all, those Chelsea supporters in England started watching their team play on June 28, and it was June 29 by the time it ended. 

This was not football and the chaos was a potential glimpse into next summer’s World Cup

Enzo Maresca rightly suggested the unpredictable climate in the US is not football friendly

There were four hours and 38 minutes between referee Slavko Vincic signalling the start and the end. Wimbledon finals have been played in shorter time frames, even the five-setters.

So, no, this was not football, as Chelsea’s manager told us after this bizarre match in Charlotte and he was right to suggest the United States with its unpredictable summer climate is not too football friendly.