Why has Palmeiras vs Al Ahly FIFA Club World Cup match been suspended?

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group A match between Palmeiras and Al Ahly was suspended in the 66th minute at the MetLife Stadium on Wednesday (Thursday according to IST).

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The reason the match was halted after an hour’s play was because of an expected storm.

“Your attention please. For your safety, we are going to have everyone leave the Seating Bowl area and take shelter inside the stadium because of severe weather in the area,” an official notice said on the giant screen at the MetLife Stadium.

Referee Anthony Taylor told the teams to leave the pitch immediately after Palmeiras had taken a 2-0 lead in their Group A clash after advice from a pitchside official.

After the match was halted for 30 minutes as mandated by FIFA, both teams resumed play from the point the game had been originally halted.

“The situation has now been resolved and it is all clear and safe to return to your seats,” the announcement said.

What does FIFA protocol say about halting matches due to thunderstorms?

FIFA protocols mandate that if lightning is visible or thunder is heard, the match referee must immediately suspend play due to the risk of lightning strikes.

The suspension should last for at least 30 minutes, and play cannot resume until 30 minutes after the last instance of lightning or thunder. The players and officials should seek a safer location during the suspension.

If lightning or thunder occurs again after the 30-minute count has started, the clock is reset, and another 30-minute delay is implemented.

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It is the third time a match has been interrupted in the tournament due to the weather.

The start of the Group F match in Orlando on Tuesday between South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and Ulsan of South Korea was delayed by 65 minutes because of the threat of lightning.

The Pachuca vs RB Salzburg Group H was also halted due to lightning.

(inputs from Reuters)

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