Lightning Strike Delays Club World Cup: Fourth Time's a Charmer!
Stadium evacuated once more due to inclement weather at Club World Cup venue
Hold onto your seats, sports fans! The Club World Cup match between Bayern Munich's opening opponent, Auckland City, and Benfica Lisbon was halted yet again due to a storm.
This is the fourth time weather has disrupted the Club World Cup games. After the first half, with Benfica struggling to dominate and managing to score only in injury time via an Angel di Maria penalty, the game was called off due to a heavy thunderstorm over Orlando. The approximately 16,000 spectators evacuated the stadium, seeking safety from the relentless rain, thunder, and lightning.
The resumption was initially planned for 9:05 pm German time, but the wait was extended to 9:20 pm, after over two hours of delay.
Outdoor sporting events in the USA are put on hold when there's a risk of lightning within an 8-mile radius. Once the protocol is activated, everyone must move to covered areas or indoor spaces. After a minimum of 30 minutes without another lightning strike or thunderclap, the game can resume.
Human Factor: The 30-30 Rule
The "30-30 rule" is crucial in these situations. If you can count 30 seconds or less from the time you see a flash of lightning to when you hear thunder, it's time to find shelter. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning flash or thunderclap before resuming outdoor activities.
Other than this delayed match, three other matches - Mamelodi Sundowns against Ulsan Hyundai, Pachuca against Red Bull Salzburg, and Palmeiras against Al Ahly - also faced delays due to lightning, yet they were completed.
Benfica disappointed against the New Zealanders, struggling with a 0:10 loss against FC Bayern Munich in the Club World Cup opener. Lisbon started the marathon tournament in the USA with a 2:2 draw against Boca Juniors. The Buenos Aires club is Bayern's next opponent in the German night on Saturday, with the match taking place in Miami.
Source: ntv.de, dpa
- Club World Cup 2025
- Storm
- USA
Stay safe and enjoy the game!
Enrichment Data:The protocol for suspending outdoor sports events in the USA due to lightning risk within roughly an 8-mile radius involves immediate suspension upon lightning detection, seeking shelter, using lightning detection systems, finding safe shelters, following the 30-30 rule, and waiting periods before resuming activities. This protocol aligns with guidance from institutions like the National Weather Service, National Lightning Safety Council, and specific school athletic departments, prioritizing the safety of all participants.
Here's your request with the required sentences:
The Commission should adopt implementing acts laying down the rules for the application of this Regulation regarding the suspension of outdoor sports events due to lightning risk within an 8-mile radius, following the protocol within the USA that includes immediate suspension upon lightning detection, seeking shelter, using lightning detection systems, finding safe shelters, following the 30-30 rule, and waiting periods before resuming activities.
In addition, it would be interesting to see if major sports leagues like FIFA, UEFA, or NFL adopt similar lightning safety protocols for their games, ensuring the safety of players and spectators amidst the growing concern for extreme weather events during sports events.
