Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has voiced concerns about the extreme heat conditions during the Club World Cup, describing them as "very dangerous" for players. The 24-year-old has participated in all six of Chelsea's matches as they advance to the final against Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey. Throughout the tournament, the team has faced temperatures reaching as high as 38°C (100°F), prompting local weather warnings against strenuous physical activity.

Fernandez revealed that he experienced dizziness during matches, stating, "Honestly, the heat is incredible. The other day I had to lie down on the ground because I was really dizzy." He emphasized that playing in such temperatures not only impacts player safety but also diminishes the quality of the game, slowing down the pace and affecting the viewing experience for fans.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has echoed these sentiments, noting that the heat has made it "impossible" to conduct normal training sessions. The scheduling of afternoon kick-offs to accommodate European and African TV audiences has further exacerbated the situation. Fernandez expressed hope that future tournaments would consider adjusting schedules to prioritize player welfare and maintain an attractive spectacle for spectators.

Former Germany striker Jurgen Klinsmann also shared his experiences with extreme heat during the 1994 World Cup, acknowledging the challenges but emphasizing the need for teams to adapt to the conditions. FIFA has recognized the issue, implementing cooling breaks in matches to protect players and stating its commitment to ongoing discussions about managing heat conditions in football.

As Chelsea prepares for the final, the team's players are calling for improvements in scheduling and player protection measures to ensure that competitive integrity and player safety are upheld in future tournaments.