Juventus manager Igor Tudor revealed that ten of his players asked to be substituted during their Club World Cup defeat to Real Madrid. The match, played in Miami under sweltering conditions, saw temperatures soar to 30°C with 70% humidity, making it a grueling experience for the players.

The Impact of Heat on Performance

The extreme heat and humidity significantly affected the players' stamina. Tudor made the maximum of five substitutions allowed during the game, but the conditions were so harsh that even more players felt the need to come off. "In the end, 10 players asked to be substituted," Tudor said. "The exhaustion was incredible."

Cooling Breaks and FIFA Guidelines

To combat the heat, cooling breaks were implemented in 33 out of 56 matches during the tournament. FIFA's guidelines use the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) to determine when these breaks are necessary. If the WBGT exceeds 32°C, cooling breaks are mandatory in both halves of the match. The global players' union, FIFPro, has suggested that breaks should be introduced at a lower threshold of 28°C and matches delayed if the WBGT exceeds 32°C.

Broader Implications for Football

The heatwave in the US has raised concerns about player safety and performance. With the US set to host next year's World Cup, there are calls for matches to be scheduled during cooler parts of the day. A leading specialist on the effects of extreme temperature on the human body has recommended that FIFA consider starting the final at 9 am local time to avoid similar conditions.

Looking Ahead

As the Club World Cup progresses, the focus remains on how teams adapt to these challenging conditions. The tournament has already seen its share of drama, with extreme heat, poor pitches, and plenty of goals keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The debate over player safety and the scheduling of matches in extreme weather conditions is likely to continue as the football world prepares for next year's World Cup.