Can a bad weather stop a soccer match? Probably yes, probably no, but Friday’s world cup qualifier between Costa Rica and America could have been stopped due to heavy snow and bad weather conditions, as claimed by Costa Rica. Snowstorm made its influence on the game and match was more looking like an Ice football rather a normal football match which Costa Rica lost by 1-0. Now, the losing team has officially filed a complaint to supreme governing body and asked for a replay citing the bad climate conditions out there. It has also submitted supportive documents including pictures and videos that show how difficult playing conditions were there. The football association claimed that heavy snow on the field made sidelines and markings almost invisible while players’ health was also compromised by the ground staff. Moreover, snow-clearing personnel entered into the playground without authority which made its players feel unconformable and diverted from the game.
Costa Rican Federation’s President Eduardo Li said over pitch invasion by unauthorized personnel, “It was terrible. We fought — we talked to the commissioner, who totally rejected our complaint. These are embarrassing situations we should not accept.” He also talked about playing conditions and added, “Ball movement became impossible given the quantity of snow on the field. What happened the night … has no precedents, since it not only went against the sporting spectacle, but also against the physical integrity of the officials and players.”
Moreover, Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto also appealed to referee to stop the game during the match, but American coach urged to play the game coz playing conditions were same for both the teams; hence referee led the play continued. At the moment, US soccer federation has not made any comment on Costa Rica’s appeal to replay the game, however, behind the scene, it is being said that they have also written a note to FIFA explaining their side of the story. On the other side, FIFA has confirmed receiving Costa Rica’s request and assured it will do everything necessary taking all the circumstances into account. A statement issued by FIFA reads as, “We can confirm that FIFA has received a letter from the Costa Rica FA regarding last Friday’s FIFA World Cup qualifier. FIFA will now analyze the content of the letter and next steps will be determined in due course.”