FIFA is facing potential integrity issues as severe weather threatens to disrupt the simultaneous scheduling of final World Cup group matches. The governing body acknowledges that fixtures may not kick off or finish at the same time due to adverse conditions, raising fears of match manipulation reminiscent of the 1982 'Disgrace of Dijon'.
Only One Weather Delay So Far
France’s clash with Iraq is the only match impacted by severe storms so far, ending nearly four hours after kick-off. Since that was each team’s second group game, the delay posed no major issue. However, with crucial final group fixtures approaching, heavy rain or lightning could create significant problems.
Simultaneous Kick-off Rule at Risk
Since 1982, final group matches have been scheduled for the same kick-off time to prevent collusion. In that tournament, West Germany and Austria were accused of settling for a 1-0 win to eliminate Algeria. However, The Times reports there is no special provision for adverse summer weather, despite Article 12.4 of FIFA’s regulations stating: “The last two matches in each group shall have simultaneous kick-off times on the same day, unless stipulated otherwise by Fifa (e.g. in cases of force majeure).”
Reliance on Team Integrity
With no official rule on games finishing simultaneously, FIFA will rely on the integrity of teams affected by weather suspensions. In the France-Iraq match, torrential rain at halftime caused a nearly two-hour delay, after which France won 3-0. England also faced weather issues before the tournament, with their final warm-up friendly against New Zealand delayed by one hour.
England and Other Teams Affected
England’s second group game against Ghana was played in rainy conditions, ending in a 0-0 draw. Croatia’s 1-0 win over Panama eliminated the latter, whom England face on Saturday. The final group games begin Wednesday: Switzerland vs Canada for top spot, Qatar vs Bosnia and Herzegovina for a potential best third-place qualification, Scotland vs Brazil, and Morocco vs already-eliminated Haiti.
