"Lightning Strikes force another Pause at Club World Cup: Benfica vs. Bayern delayed by Storm for over 2 hours"
Stadium evacuated once more because of approaching storm in Club World Cup venue
During the Club World Cup match between Auckland City and Bayern Munich's opening opponent Benfica Lisbon, a heavy thunderstorm in Orlando halted play for an extended period. The spectators, around 16,000 strong, left their seats due to the torrential rain, thunder, and lighting. Initially, the match restart was scheduled for 9:05 pm CET, but this plan swiftly changed after more than a two-hour delay, with the resumption taking place at 9:20 pm.
When lightning is detected within an 8-mile radius of the stadium during outdoor sporting events in the US, the protocol mandates evacuation of both the playing field and spectators. They must then move to covered areas or indoor spaces. After the last thunderclap or lightning strike, at least 30 minutes must pass before resuming play. Should another thunderclap or lightning strike be perceived during this period, the waiting process begins anew, making the resumption of games unpredictable.
The chaotic weather has disrupted several games in the tournament, such as Mamelodi Sundowns against Ulsan Hyundai, Pachuca against Red Bull Salzburg, and Palmeiras against Al Ahly. Despite the disruptions, all three matches eventually resumed and were completed. Benfica, disappointingly, struggled against the semi-professional New Zealanders, losing 0:10 in their Club World Cup opener versus FC Bayern Munich. A crucial match against Boca Juniors resulted in a 2:2 draw for Benfica. Their next encounter is against Boca Juniors on Saturday in Miami.
Sources: ntv.de, dbe/dpa
- Club World Cup 2025
- Thunderstorm
- USA
Insights:1. Outdoor sporting events in the USA must suspend play if lightning is detected within an 8-mile radius due to safety concerns.2. FIFA has protocols in place to ensure the safety of everyone involved during thunderstorms, including spectators and athletes.3. Teams and organizers must prepare for possible delays and interruptions due to unpredictable thunderstorms, particularly in regions with hot and humid climates like Florida and Texas.
In light of the US safety protocols for outdoor sporting events, should a lightning strike be detected within an 8-mile radius of the stadium, the Commission shall adopt implementing acts to suspend play, ensuring the safety of both players and spectators. Reiterating Benfica's difficult start in the Club World Cup 2025, their relentless opponents, Boca Juniors, forced a 2:2 draw, while their previous encounter, against FC Bayern Munich, ended in a devastating 0:10 loss during a match disrupted by a thunderstorm.
