UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Heavy rain in Doha delays Arab Cup 2025 third-place match between Saudi Arabia and UAE as the pitch becomes waterlogged, halting play in second half.
Lower than three hours before onset, showers and chilly winds arrived at Lusail Stadium, the point of the final between Morocco and Jordan. Nearly 80,000 observers are anticipated, and organizers contend the game will still begin at 17:00.
Morocco has formerly had organizational difficulties in Qatar. Numerous Moroccan sympathizers of the FIFA U-17 World Cup were bothered when, despite having valid tickets, they were n’t allowed to return to their seats after halftime versus Brazil.
Confusion and anxiety redounded from the modest 1,500- seat venue’s incapability to accommodate the enormous crowds.
Beforehand in the Arab Cup group round, Morocco’s elderly platoon also had detainments. Due to administrative problems with player permits, their bus arrived over three hours after the game versus Comoros.
The event demonstrated how logistical issues may impact preparation, even though the team ultimately prevailed.
What caused the pitch to become unplayable at Khalifa Stadium?
Heavy downfall during a severe storm in Doha impregnated the pitch at Khalifa International Stadium, causing wide water accumulation that rendered it unplayable.
The first half ended goalless, but post-interval deluge overwhelmed the face despite over two hours of ferocious sweats by 100 conservation workers using pumps and tools to drain standing water across large sections.
Referee Cristian Garay approved extended stoppages totaling 150 twinkles, but safety enterprises led FIFA to officially cancel the Saudi Arabia vs UAE third- place match on December 18, 2025. The game halted at the launch of the alternate half due to a doused pitch, with players staying in vain for conditions to ameliorate; organizers eventually cancelled it after examination, prioritizing safety amid ongoing storms.