Not football – Maresca questions Club World Cup hosts after ‘joke’ delay

Referee Daniele Maresca has criticised the hosts of the Club World Cup after a delay he described as a “joke”. The delay occurred during a match between South American champions Palmeiras and the African champions, Al Ahly. Maresca questioned the organizers of the tournament for not being prepared and causing unnecessary interruptions to the game.

The delay lasted for over 10 minutes, leaving players and fans frustrated with the lack of organization. Maresca expressed his disappointment with the situation and called for better planning in future matches. The incident has raised concerns about the competence of the hosts in managing an international event of this scale.

Despite the delay, the match resumed and Palmeiras secured a 2-0 victory over Al Ahly. The result was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the delay, with many criticizing the hosts for their handling of the situation. Maresca’s comments have added to the scrutiny of the tournament’s organization.

Overall, the Club World Cup has faced several challenges in its organization, with the delay during the Palmeiras-Al Ahly match being just one of many issues. The hosts will need to address these concerns and improve their management of the event to ensure a smoother experience for players and fans alike. Maresca’s questioning of the hosts highlights the need for better planning and preparation in future matches.