01.07.2025
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FIFPRO Urges FIFA to Review Match Schedule Due to Extreme Temperatures

FIFPRO Urges FIFA to Review Match Schedule Due to Extreme Temperatures

According to FIFPRO reports, two FIFA Club World Cup matches in the United States — PSG versus Atlético Madrid and Chelsea versus Esperance — should have been postponed due to temperatures exceeding safe thresholds.

Dr. Vincent Gouttebarge, FIFPRO medical director, confirmed these matches surpassed the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) limit of 28 degrees — a scientific formula calculating various meteorological parameters.

“According to our position, these games should have been rescheduled to a better time of day, and if not available, then postponed to another day,” stated Gouttebarge.

Several Club World Cup matches faced weather disruptions — including a two-hour delay in Chelsea’s 4-1 victory against Benfica in Charlotte.

FIFPRO also expressed concerns about the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Alexander Bielefeld and Alex Phillips from FIFPRO urge FIFA to:

  • Avoid midday matches in high-temperature cities
  • Prioritize evening schedules for high-risk locations
  • Consider MLS protocols that limit WBGT to 29 degrees