Controversial FIFA rule will NOT be used for England v Argentina World Cup semi-final
The England vs Argentina World Cup semi-final is set to go ahead tonight, with Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta dismissing suggestions the match could be postponed due to thunderstorms
The weather won’t matter tonight(Image: Luiz Castro via Getty Images)
FIFA rules regarding weather conditions will not be enforced during tonight’s England vs Argentina World Cup semi-final, it has been confirmed. Fans of England and Argentina gearing up for the 8pm BST kick-off this evening have been assured that the match will NOT face delay.
The game should, by all accounts, NOT be interrupted as the Atlanta Stadium roof has stayed closed throughout the entire tournament. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the venue hosting tonight’s clash, has issued a statement offering reassurance to Three Lions fans.
This implies that FIFA’s weather protocols and regulations concerning storms are not relevant and the match should go ahead as planned, following disruptions to the Mexico round of 16 fixture in Mexico City.
Bellingham won’t be worried about the weather(Image: Richard Pelham, Getty Images)
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
The speculation arose earlier this week, amid reports suggesting England vs Argentina might be postponed due to forecasted thunderstorms in the area.
However, the stadium has dismissed these suggestions, despite NWS Atlanta predicting thunderstorms and rainfall with further activity expected later, according to Birmingham Live.
They suggested that the main threats will be lightning strikes and flash flooding. Meanwhile, AccuWeather has forecasted thunderstorms in areas with patchy cloud cover and sunny spells as humidity engulfs the Georgian city, reports Yorkshire Live.
The semi-final promises to be captivating, with England and Argentina meeting for the first time since 2002, when David Beckham’s spot-kick proved enough to clinch a 1-0 triumph over Argentina in Japan.
Four years earlier, Becks had been sent off in Saint Etienne as England were beaten on penalties by Argentina, after a 2-2 deadlock in normal time. In 1986, what is arguably the most legendary World Cup encounter in history saw Diego Maradona score twice – first the infamous Hand of God strike, then what became dubbed the Goal of the Century – as Argentina prevailed 2-1 in Mexico.
In a twist of fate, England returned to the Azteca Stadium during the same tournament, where they overcame hosts Mexico 3-2.
