Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez warned Friday that playing matches at the hottest time of the day during the club World Cup is “very dangerous” while his side is preparing for recording Paris Saint-Germain in the final on Sunday afternoon.
“The heat is incredible. Recently I felt a bit dizzy and had to sit on the floor,” Argentinian playmaker Fernandez told reporters on Friday.
The World Cup Final on Sunday at the Metlife Stadium just outside New York between Chelsea and PSG starts at 3:00 PM local time. The temperatures are expected to be as high as 31 degrees Celsius.
Chelsea started at the same time in their 2-0 semi-final victory on the Brazilian side luminense on Tuesday, and the heat had an impact on countless competitions during the competition.
This has led to concerns about the planning during the World Cup that will take place in North -America next year.
“Playing at these temperatures is very dangerous,” said Fernandez, who spoke before Chelsea trained in the Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey, the home of MLS -side New York Red Bulls.
“Of course for the spectacle, for people who come to the stadium to enjoy it, and for those who look at home, the pace of playing is not the same, it slows everything.
“Let's hope they change the kick -off times to make it a better spectacle,” added Fernandez, a World Cup winner at Argentina in 2022, with a view to the 2026 tournament.