The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, currently underway in the United States, has drawn global attention not only for its football spectacle but also for logistical hiccups that have sparked sharp criticism from high-profile managers. Among the most vocal is Enzo Maresca, whose comments after a significant match delay have ignited debate over the tournament’s organization and suitability of its hosts.
The Incident: A ‘Joke’ Delay
During the group stage of the expanded 32-team tournament, a high-profile fixture was marred by an unexpected and lengthy delay. According to reports from the ground, the match was held up for over an hour due to a combination of technical failures and stadium management issues, including problems with the pitch and stadium lighting. The disruption left players, coaches, and tens of thousands of fans in limbo, with many taking to social media to express their frustration.
Enzo Maresca, the manager at the center of the controversy, did not mince words in his post-match press conference.
“This is not football,” he declared, visibly exasperated. “Delays like this are a joke at this level. We prepare for months, and then something like this happens. It’s not fair to the players or the fans.”
The Broader Context: A Tournament Under Scrutiny
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is historic for several reasons. It is the first time the tournament has featured 32 teams—up from the previous seven—and the first time it is being staged in the United States, a year before the country co-hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Matches are being played across 12 venues in 11 cities, with the final scheduled for July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
While the expansion has been hailed as a move to globalize club football and provide more teams with a shot at international glory, it has also brought fresh challenges. The United States, despite its world-class stadiums and infrastructure, is still relatively new to hosting major global football tournaments of this scale. Issues such as scheduling, stadium readiness, and even pitch quality have come under the spotlight.
Maresca’s Critique: More Than Just a Delay
Maresca’s criticism goes beyond a single incident. His remarks touch on a broader concern echoed by players, coaches, and football unions: the risk that commercial expansion and logistical ambition are outpacing the ability to deliver a seamless football experience. The delay, which Maresca called “a joke,” is emblematic of worries that the host nation’s inexperience with football-specific demands could undermine the tournament’s integrity.
“This isn’t just about one game,” Maresca continued. “If FIFA wants this competition to be respected, the basics have to be right—pitches, lights, organization. Otherwise, it’s not football, it’s something else.”
Reaction and Fallout
Maresca’s comments have sparked a broader debate within the football community. Some have defended the United States, noting the country’s proven track record in hosting large-scale sporting events and pointing out that teething problems are inevitable in a tournament of this magnitude. Others, however, argue that FIFA’s decision to expand the tournament and stage it in a country still building its football culture was always going to bring growing pains.
Fans and pundits have also weighed in. Social media has been awash with clips of the delay, memes, and heated discussions about whether the Club World Cup should rotate among more traditional footballing nations. The incident has also reignited criticism from player unions and leagues, who have previously warned about fixture congestion and player welfare in the new expanded format.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on FIFA and the local organizing committee to address these issues swiftly. The hope is that the remainder of the Club World Cup will proceed without further incident, allowing the focus to return to the football itself.
Maresca’s blunt assessment serves as a reminder that, for all its commercial ambitions, football’s essence lies in the quality of the competition and the experience for players and fans alike. As the Club World Cup continues, the world will be watching to see if the hosts can rise to the challenge and deliver a tournament worthy of the beautiful game.