Wildfire smoke raises concerns for World Cup final in New York
The upcoming World Cup final in the New York New Jersey Stadium, commonly known as MetLife Stadium, faces potential disruption due to thick wildfire smoke. This smoke has affected New York and much of the eastern seaboard in recent days, leading to air quality alerts.
More than 800 wildfires are burning across Canada, causing smoke to spread south into several US states. In western New York, air quality was deemed “very unhealthy” on 16 July, while the New York City metropolitan area experienced “unhealthy” air quality. Many residents in the city have been observed wearing masks.
Air Quality Concerns and Previous Events
The widespread smoke has significantly reduced visibility across the New York City region, obscuring landmarks such as the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty, as well as MetLife Stadium. Concerns about air quality for the final emerged after an advisory was changed from “unhealthy” to “very unhealthy” late on Thursday.
New York City Hall’s emergency management officials issued a citywide code red from Tuesday to Thursday, advising residents to remain indoors unless necessary and to avoid strenuous physical activity. These conditions are not ideal for a major global sporting event, which is anticipated to draw a worldwide television audience of 1.6 billion.
The smoke was clearly visible in downtown Manhattan, and conditions were severe enough to cause the cancellation of numerous flights from Newark Airport in New Jersey. Previously, initial concerns about hosting the final at MetLife Stadium had centered on the extreme heat often experienced in New York during the summer. Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández described playing conditions as “very dangerous” after last year’s Club World Cup semi-final.
Despite the current challenges, Fifa officials expressed confidence on Friday that the situation would improve by Sunday. Rain is forecast for Saturday, which it is hoped will help clear the worst of the smoke. However, other sporting events have already been impacted.
A National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) match between Gotham and Washington Spirit in Queens on Wednesday was played in an orange-brown haze. Players were instructed to take two additional breaks during each half, in line with the NWSL’s poor air policy. The prospect of further stoppages during the World Cup final could cause additional controversy, especially given previous discussions surrounding Fifa’s introduction of hydration breaks.
Logistical Challenges and High Profile Attendees
The weather issues are particularly unfortunate for New York, as the city has embraced the World Cup. All seven previous games at MetLife Stadium have been sold out, and restaurant and bar bookings for events like England’s semi-final defeat by Argentina were difficult to secure.
Beyond the weather, a significant challenge for the final is transportation to the stadium. MetLife Stadium is known among NFL fans for its limited public transport options and the difficulties of navigating the Lincoln Tunnel, which connects Manhattan with New Jersey. Parking on Sunday is restricted to guests and VIPs, and the cost of bus and rail travel has been substantially increased for the tournament.
A joint intervention by the governments of New York and New Jersey, providing a subsidy, reduced the initial matchday return price for New Jersey Transit trains from $150 to $98. However, this remains a high cost for a journey that typically takes 20 minutes. Shuttle buses from Manhattan will be available for $20 for those seeking alternatives.
Donald Trump is expected to make a notable entrance, with his helicopter Marine One scheduled to fly over the stadium before landing at nearby Teterboro Airport. While Fifa has not publicly commented, managing the former president is another concern. Following the controversy surrounding his appearance at Chelsea’s Club World Cup celebrations last year, which reportedly left captain Reece James bemused, Fifa has confirmed that he will present the trophy alongside Infantino.
A precedent was established four years ago when the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, placed a traditional Arab cloak on Lionel Messi’s shoulders before the Argentina captain received the trophy from Infantino. Fifa held discussions with Trump at Trump Tower on Friday afternoon, a meeting that necessitated road closures for several blocks and caused traffic disruption on Fifth Avenue.
The thick haze of smoke blocked views across the New York City region including MetLife Stadium, the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty.
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Source: bbc.com
