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As global temperatures rise, extreme heat could threaten athletes, fans, workers, and officials during this year’s World Cup games.
Exposure to extreme heat can lead to nausea, dehydration, headaches, stroke, and, in extreme cases, death. Worries from some that millions of people could be exposed during the tournament were amplified in March, when record-breaking temperatures hit large swaths of the U.S. And with global temperatures rising because of pollution from burning oil, gas, and coal, scientists have warned that staging soccer tournaments in the summer is getting more dangerous.
The 2022 World Cup tournament in Qatar was moved from summer to winter because of the threat of extreme heat. Last year’s Club World Cup experienced a heat wave that sent temperatures soaring to 90 °F (32 °C) and above in many areas.
Following the event, the soccer players’ global union warned that extreme heat would likely be an even bigger problem at the next two men’s World Cups. The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
This year, host cities, stadiums, and FIFA, the world governing body for soccer, are working to protect players and spectators by conducting heat risk assessments, enhancing shade, cooling zones, and water access, stationing medical teams during events, and more.
Players will get 3-minute hydration breaks midway through each half, regardless of weather conditions, FIFA said. Other welfare plans include allowing teams the usual up to five substitutions, a minimum of three rest days between matches, and staff and substitutes will have access to climate-controlled benches at outdoor matches. Climate conditions are factored into the match schedule.
“Outdoor matches during the hottest parts of the day have been strategically limited, kick-off times adjusted in certain markets, and matches expected in warmer windows prioritized for covered stadiums where possible,” FIFA said.
The federation has also created a Heat Illness Mitigation and Management Task Force made up of medical and operational experts. Ahead of the games, they are finalizing heat-risk alert systems, coordinating stadium medical action plans, and other standardized guidance.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.