Latest news with #MikeTipton
Morocco World
02-07-2025
- Climate
- Morocco World
FIFA Pushed to Play 2026 World Cup Final at 9 AM
FIFA's grand plan for a blockbuster 2026 World Cup final in New York could face a reckoning as experts, unions, and managers slam the tournament's summer timing amid record-breaking heat. The Club World Cup, currently being held across the United States, has become a dress rehearsal for disaster. With temperatures soaring to 39°C in New York and humidity pushing heat indexes above 50°C, questions are being asked about whether midday kick-offs in open-roof stadiums are madness masquerading as marketing. Professor Mike Tipton, a specialist in human responses to extreme temperatures, told the BBC: 'I'd move it to an air-conditioned stadium with a roof, and preferably to a cooler time of the year. From a thermal-physiological perspective…I'd be looking to start games as early as possible.' How early? Try 9 a.m. for a World Cup final. Tipton argues it's a better alternative than turning the pitch into a slow-cooking oven for players, officials, and thousands of sweating fans. And he's not alone. FIFPRO, the global players' union, has branded the Club World Cup a 'wake-up call'. Dr Vincent Gouttebarge, its medical director, declared that Chelsea vs ES Tunis and PSG vs Atletico Madrid 'should have been postponed' due to WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) readings above 28°C – well past FIFPRO's red flag threshold. The WBGT is a measure of heat stress in direct sunlight that considers temperature, humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, and cloud cover. 'We will plead,' sighed Alex Phillips, FIFPRO's general secretary. 'We will use common-sense arguments. MLS doesn't play matches at midday in Florida, for example. So why should FIFA?' The outrage is shared by players. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said it was 'impossible' to run proper training in Philadelphia under a 'code red' heat warning. Thunderstorms have delayed six matches at this Club World Cup, including Chelsea's 4-1 win over Benfica, suspended for two hours in Charlotte. 'A joke,' Maresca called it. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund's substitutes watched the first half of their match against Mamelodi Sundowns in Cincinnati from the dressing room, with manager Niko Kovac likening conditions to 'a sauna'. Even referees haven't escaped unscathed – a Guatemalan official collapsed mid-match in Kansas City. Former Ireland keeper Packie Bonner, who suffered through a scorching 41°C heat in the 1994 World Cup in the US, was blunt: 'Your brain goes into a fog… It was unbelievable.' He lost 10lbs in one session. FIFPRO now wants 20-minute half-time breaks in extreme heat, arguing the usual three-minute 'cooling breaks' aren't cutting it. 'Fifteen minutes might not be enough to decrease core temperature,' said Gouttebarge. And yet FIFA ploughs on. A statement insisted: 'Cooling breaks' have been implemented in 31 out of 54 matches so far, a statement insisted. With this logic, bottles, towels, shade, and hydration stations are apparently enough. But critics say that the real solution – scheduling matches to avoid peak heat – is being ignored in favor of TV slots and sponsor demands. 'At some point, shading and water won't be enough,' warned Phillips. 'This is a discussion we need to have – and soon.' The irony is that FIFA's expansion to 48 teams and 104 matches has only made the calendar more inflexible. With only five of the 16 venues boasting a roof, and cities like Miami, Dallas, and Monterrey flagged as 'extreme risk' by researchers, the spectre of a heat-stricken World Cup 2026 looms large. The MetLife Stadium, set to host the final, has no roof and no plan for shade. And while European fans might grumble about a morning kick-off, it might be the only way to avoid scenes of collapsing players and drenched supporters gasping for breath in what could be the hottest World Cup on record. As one senior meteorologist warned, climate change is not just coming to football – it's already in the starting XI. And if FIFA doesn't budge, fans, players, referees, media crew, and stadium staff need to brace themselves for a final in a blistering inferno. Tags: 2026 World cupClub World Cupheatwavethunderstorms
Scottish Sun
01-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Minute by minute – how the hot weather affects your body and the 10 signs you must never ignore
Plus, how to stay safe during hot weather - from when to go outside to what to drink HOT BOD Minute by minute – how the hot weather affects your body and the 10 signs you must never ignore Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITAIN is baking in glorious sunshine. The Met Office predicts temperatures will hit 36C in parts of the UK today, after one of the hottest Junes on record, and sticky nights aren't offering much relief. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Crowded beach in Lyme Regis, UK, yesterday Credit: Alamy 3 It's imperative to remember key sun safety, including drinking plenty of fluids and topping up sun screen Credit: Getty Most of England is currently subject to an amber heath health alert, meaning the entire population, the NHS, and transportation is likely to be affected by scorching temperatures. This is because while the sunshine gives us a healthy hit of vitamin D we've all been dying for, the heat also brings a host of health risks we can't afford to ignore. This could include a rise in deaths, particularly in people over 65 and those with existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. There are also concerns over an increase in demand on health and care services, and overheated hospitals and care homes. Experts say it can take as little as ten minutes to get sunburnt and 15 minutes to get heatstroke, in a worst case scenario. Heatstroke happens when your body overheats so badly it can't cool itself down - and if left untreated, it can be deadly. When the sun suddenly comes out in the UK, Brits are quick to get outside and lap up the rays. It's imperative to remember key sun safety, including drinking plenty of fluids and topping up sun screen. Here, experts reveal just how dangerous a hot weather can be, and how fast its effects could set in. Under 10 minutes: SUNBURN YOU might be fooled into thinking sunburn is only something that happens on holiday. Don't take the risk, as sunburn can occur in under 10 minutes, even if you can't see it straight away. Dr Kathryn Basford, of online doctors service ZAVA UK, told The Sun: 'You can very easily burn in as little as 10 minutes, if you're out in the sun and not properly protected from UV rays. 'It can also present itself through the course of the day and take between 24 to 72 hours to develop.' Sunburn doesn't just cause sore and sometimes blistered skin, but affects your temperature regulation. Prof Mike Tipton, Human and Applied Physiology, University of Portsmouth, told The Sun: 'Sunburn reduces sweating, which is an indirect problem in terms of impairing your thermo regulatory capabilities.' How fast your skin reacts will depend on whether you are wearing any sun screen, your clothing, your complexion and how strong the UV rays are. With every episode of sunburn, you increase the chances of skin cancer, as well as faster ageing skin. 15 minutes: HEAT EXHAUSTION HEAT exhaustion is the illness that precedes heatstroke. The symptoms include nausea, dizziness, muscle weakness, sweating, cool and clammy skin, irritability and confusion. A key sign is body temperature going above 41C - this can happen within 10 to 15 minutes of being in hot weather, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Prof Tipton warned heat exhaustion is a particular risk for babies and small children. He said: 'By putting people into warm baths, we can get their core temperature up by a degree and a half in 15 or 20 minutes. So you can get hot very quickly. 'If you're a small individual in a hot environment, particularly an environment with direct exposure to the sun, you're looking at heat related problems in 15 to 20 minutes.' The 10 signs in the heat you should never ignore If you're spending prolonged periods of time in the heat - then it's important to stay protected. But, we are all human and sometimes we might forget to wear a hat or top up our suncream. There are some clear warning signs you should never ignore - seeking shade and medical help if appropriate. Feeling off or out of sorts Nausea Dizziness Muscle weakness Sweating Cool and clammy skin Irritability and confusion Headache Thirst Loss of appetite These could all be signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion. For adults, Prof Tipton said a dangerous increase in core temperature depends on a number of factors. But in a hot and humid environment where someone is exercising, 'you'll be looking at getting your body temperature to a dangerous level in around 20 minutes,' he said. Dr Basford said: 'Depending on how hot it is or how long you are in the sun, heat exhaustion can develop within a few minutes or gradually over several hours or days. 'It's important to cool down as soon as you notice any of these signs as heat exhaustion can develop into heatstroke if your body has become too hot and starts to lose water or salt.' Minutes to hours: HEATSTROKE 3 If not treated quickly, it can turn into heatstroke, which can be life threatening Credit: Getty HEAT exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down within 30 minutes, the NHS says, by going to a cool place, lying down and raising the feet, drinking water and cooling the skin. But if someone does not feel any better after 30 minutes, you should call 999. This is a sign they have heatstroke, which is when the body is unable to control its temperature. The symptoms include hot and dry skin, difficulty walking, poor balance, confusion and disorientation and seizures (in severe cases). Dr Basford said: 'Similar to heat exhaustion, heatstroke can develop within minutes or gradually over the course of several hours or days. 'While less common, heatstroke can be very serious if not addressed quickly." 30 minutes: DEHYDRATION IT'S imperative to make sure you are getting enough fluids during the day, let alone during a heatwave. Dehydration can be life-threatening, especially in the elderly, children and babies. Dr Basford said: 'When you're out and about in the sun, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to up to a few hours for the body to feel dehydrated. 'When exposed to the heat without properly hydrating your body, the water levels can fall low and you'll experience waves of fatigue, thirst, light-headedness and sometimes dizziness. 'Drinking water regularly can help you remain hydrated, as well as swerving those drinks that can dehydrate you further, like caffeine or alcohol.' Dehydration can exacerbate, and contribute to, any of the heat illnesses described above. Prof Tipton said: 'You need to sweat in order to maintain your body temperature, and that sweating is going to be impaired if you become dehydrated.' Up to two days: DEATH PROF Tipton said: 'Over the course of a heatwave, there'll be about 1,500 to 2,000 excess deaths, but very, very few of those deaths are caused by the direct effects of heating. 'The majority of people that die do so within the first couple of days of a heatwave. 'And the vast majority of those that die are over the age of 65 and their deaths are caused more by the stress that the heat puts on their cardiovascular system.' When the body's core temperature reaches dangerous levels, this adds additional strain to what might be an already compromised cardiovascular system, heart and heart and blood vessels. One of the other major causes of a heatwave related death is a blood clot, Prof Tipton said, as dehydration causes the blood to thicken. This can happen to those with pre existing conditions, or even those who are reasonably healthy but, due to their age, don't have blood vessels as healthy as they once were.
The Irish Sun
01-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Minute by minute – how the hot weather affects your body and the 10 signs you must never ignore
BRITAIN is baking in glorious sunshine. 3 Crowded beach in Lyme Regis, UK, yesterday Credit: Alamy 3 It's imperative to remember key sun safety, including drinking plenty of fluids and topping up sun screen Credit: Getty Most of England is currently subject to an amber heath health alert, meaning the entire population, the NHS, and transportation is likely to be affected by scorching temperatures. This is because while the sunshine gives us a healthy hit of vitamin D we've all be dying for, the heat also brings a host of health risks we can't afford to ignore. This could include a rise in deaths, particularly in people over 65 and those with existing health conditions, including There are also concerns over an increase in demand on health and care services, and overheated hospitals and care homes. Read more on heatstroke Experts say it can take as little as ten minutes to get Heatstroke happens when your body overheats so badly it can't cool itself down - and if left untreated, it can be deadly. When the sun suddenly comes out in the UK, Brits are quick to get outside and lap up the rays. It's imperative to remember key sun safety, including drinking plenty of fluids and topping up sun screen. Here, experts reveal just how dangerous a hot weather can be, and how fast its effects could set in. Under 10 minutes: SUNBURN YOU might be fooled into thinking sunburn is only something that happens on holiday. Don't take the risk, as Most read in Health Dr Kathryn Basford, of online doctors service 'It can also present itself through the course of the day and take between 24 to 72 hours to develop.' Sunburn doesn't just cause sore and sometimes blistered skin, but affects your temperature regulation. Prof Mike Tipton, Human and Applied Physiology, University of Portsmouth, told The Sun: 'Sunburn reduces sweating, which is an indirect problem in terms of impairing your thermo regulatory capabilities.' How fast your skin reacts will depend on whether you are wearing With every episode of sunburn, you increase the chances of skin cancer, as well as faster ageing skin. 15 minutes: HEAT EXHAUSTION The symptoms include nausea, dizziness, muscle weakness, sweating, cool and clammy skin, irritability and confusion. A key sign is body temperature going above 41C - this can happen within 10 to 15 minutes of being in hot weather, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Prof Tipton warned heat exhaustion is a particular risk for babies and small children. He said: 'By putting people into warm baths, we can get their core temperature up by a degree and a half in 15 or 20 minutes. So you can get hot very quickly. 'If you're a small individual in a hot environment, particularly an environment with direct exposure to the sun, you're looking at heat related problems in 15 to 20 minutes.' The 10 signs in the heat you should never ignore If you're spending prolonged periods of time in the heat - then it's important to stay protected. But, we are all human and sometimes we might forget to wear a hat or top up our suncream. There are some clear warning signs you should never ignore - seeking shade and medical help if appropriate. Feeling off or out of sorts Nausea Dizziness Muscle weakness Sweating Cool and clammy skin Irritability and confusion Headache Thirst Loss of appetite These could all be signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion. For adults, Prof Tipton said a dangerous increase in core temperature depends on a number of factors. But in a hot and humid environment where someone is exercising, 'you'll be looking at getting your body temperature to a dangerous level in around 20 minutes,' he said. Dr Basford said: 'Depending on how hot it is or how long you are in the sun, heat exhaustion can develop within a few minutes or gradually over several hours or days. 'It's important to cool down as soon as you notice any of these signs as heat exhaustion can develop into heatstroke if your body has become too hot and starts to lose water or salt.' Minutes to hours: HEATSTROKE 3 If not treated quickly, it can turn into heatstroke, which can be life threatening Credit: Getty HEAT exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down within 30 minutes, the NHS says, by going to a cool place, lying down and raising the feet, drinking water and cooling the skin. But if someone does not feel any better after 30 minutes, you should call 999. This is a sign they have heatstroke, which is when the body is unable to control its temperature. The symptoms include hot and dry skin, difficulty walking, poor balance, confusion and disorientation and seizures (in severe cases). Dr Basford said: 'Similar to heat exhaustion, heatstroke can develop within minutes or gradually over the course of several hours or days. 'While less common, heatstroke can be very serious if not addressed quickly." 30 minutes: DEHYDRATION IT'S imperative to make sure you are getting enough fluids during the day, let alone during a heatwave. Dr Basford said: 'When you're out and about in the sun, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to up to a few hours for the body to feel dehydrated. 'When exposed to the heat without properly hydrating your body, the water levels can fall low and you'll experience waves of fatigue, thirst, light-headedness and sometimes dizziness. 'Drinking water regularly can help you remain hydrated, as well as swerving those drinks that can dehydrate you further, like caffeine or alcohol.' Dehydration can exacerbate, and contribute to, any of the heat illnesses described above. Prof Tipton said: 'You need to sweat in order to maintain your body temperature, and that sweating is going to be impaired if you become dehydrated.' Up to two days: DEATH PROF Tipton said: 'Over the course of a heatwave, there'll be about 1,500 to 2,000 excess deaths, but very, very few of those deaths are caused by the direct effects of heating. 'The majority of people that die do so within the first couple of days of a heatwave. 'And the vast majority of those that die are over the age of 65 and their deaths are caused more by the stress that the heat puts on their cardiovascular system.' When the body's core temperature reaches dangerous levels, this adds additional strain to what might be an already compromised cardiovascular system, heart and heart and blood vessels. One of the other major causes of a heatwave related death is a blood clot, Prof Tipton said, as dehydration causes the blood to thicken. This can happen to those with pre existing conditions, or even those who are reasonably healthy but, due to their age, don't have blood vessels as healthy as they once were. How to stay safe in hot weather While many people enjoy warmer summer weather, hot weather can cause some people to become unwell through overheating (becoming uncomfortably hot), dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Remember the following tips if you want to stay safe: Keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm If you are going to do a physical activity (for example exercise or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun If you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen Drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake Check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool down. Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical attention if you cool down within 30 minutes. If you do not take action to cool down, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke. Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include: Tiredness Weakness Feeling faint Headache Muscle cramps Feeling or being sick Heavy sweating Intense thirst Heatstroke is where the body is no longer able to cool down and the body temperature becomes dangerously high. Common symptoms of heatstroke include: Confusion Lack of co-ordination Fast heartbeat Fast breathing or shortness of breath Hot skin that is not sweating Seizures Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you think someone has heatstroke you should dial 999 and then try to cool them down. Source:
BBC News
30-06-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
'Fifa should consider playing World Cup final at 9am'
Extreme weather during the Club World Cup in the United States this summer means Fifa should think about playing the men's World Cup final at 9am next year, according to an Mike Tipton of Portsmouth University, a leading specialist on the effect of extreme temperature on the human body, was asked by BBC Sport how football's governing body should handle a heatwave at next year's many, Tipton has been struck by the brutal conditions that players have been exposed to in some matches at the Club World Cup in the US, and which have underlined the potential threat facing Fifa's 2026 showpiece when it returns to the same country at the same time of week saw the summer's first major heatwave descend on eastern North America, with dozens of people hospitalised for heat-related illnesses. In New York on 24 June, for instance, the temperature rocketed to 39C - a record for MetLife Stadium just outside the city is due to stage eight matches at the World Cup, including the final itself. Like most of the other venues across the US, Canada and Mexico, it has no roof and there is limited shade for those inside. Kick-off times for all fixtures will only be revealed after December's draw, but insiders told BBC Sport they expect matches in the eastern time zone to start at noon, 15:00, 18:00 and 21:00 local time - with all-important European audiences and the interests of broadcasters, advertisers and sponsors in - who works with Team GB athletes including triathlete Jonny Brownlee since his collapse from heat exhaustion in Mexico in 2016 - argues that if there is a repeat of the conditions seen over the past 10 days, rescheduling to a morning slot would be the best and safest solution, even for the World Cup final."I'd move it to an air-conditioned stadium with a roof, and preferably to a cooler time of the year," he said."But we're already stuck with this, so the only thing you can do is go to a cooler time of day. From a thermal-physiological perspective, for both health and performance reasons, I'd be looking to start games as early as possible - but I understand the logistical caveats," he added, acknowledging the task of getting tens of thousands of fans inside a stadium so early in the day."The health risks are not purely to the players, it's also the officials and spectators, many of whom are much, much less fit. If you continue in conditions when all the rational scientific data says 'stop', organisers are taking on a fair amount of responsibility. What would probably happen is the game would be changed radically. "Fifa should be thinking about where, when and how they play such games. It's not beyond the realms that matches have to go to quarters rather than halves." 'Wake-up call' While such suggestions may seem far-fetched to some, a more flexible approach is something global players' union Fifpro is now calling for after what it calls the "wake-up call" of the Club World a news conference on Monday, its medical director Dr Vincent Gouttebarge said extended half-time breaks of 20 minutes in extreme heat to keep players' core temperatures within their normal range should be Bielefeld, Fifpro's director of policy, claimed the weather was of "increasing concern", and that while postponing matches for heat was "slightly trickier" than in a domestic league "we clearly believe that from a health and safety perspective this is something that must take priority over commercial interests."Fifa guidelines currently rely on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), a measure of heat stress combining temperature and humidity. If the WBGT exceeds 32C, short 'cooling breaks' are mandatory in both halves of a match. In contrast, Fifpro believes breaks should be introduced once the WBGT goes above 28C, and that if it exceeds 32C matches should be delayed. On this basis, so far at the Club World Cup both PSG v Atletico Madrid in Pasadena and Chelsea v ES Tunis in Philadelphia "should have been postponed to a better place in the day and, if not available (another slot), then rescheduled"."We are partially happy, because Fifa have been quite responsive once the tournament was underway [and] have actually modified how they've been dealing with heat during matches, based on our input," said Fifpro general secretary Alex Phillips. "Obviously it would have been better if that had happened in advance, but they've put in place measures such as additional water and towels around the pitch."There's a question at some point [over] what the industry sees as a precautionary threshold to players, but also to spectators, to potentially delay kick-off later on. You can apply so many pragmatic measures, such as shading, hydration, cooling, etc. At some point, that probably won't be enough. And that's a discussion which we need to have, even though this is a difficult conversation based on commercial interests."Earlier this year, researchers from Queen's University Belfast warned the temperatures at 14 of the 16 stadiums being used for the 2026 World Cup could exceed potentially dangerous levels, with Miami and Monterrey posing the greatest risk as they do not have air-conditioned stadiums. Fifpro says any afternoon kick-offs at six venues; Kansas City, Miami, Monterrey, Houston, Dallas and Atlanta carry an "extremely high-risk" of a "heat-stress injury". Only two; San Francisco and Vancouver are rated "low-risk".While Dallas and Houston do have cooling systems, it said there was still a risk to spectators if games were played in the afternoon. Significantly, the report also suggested afternoon games be avoided in New York, along with Kansas City, Boston and asked if Fifpro will make recommendations to Fifa before the World Cup when it comes to kick-off times at certain venues, Phillips said, "We have absolutely no power to force them to, we can only use informal pressure. "We will use common sense arguments. We can use the MLS [Major League Soccer] protocols. They don't play matches at midday in Florida, for example, and haven't done for a number of years. So those kind of arguments are strong."However, with more matches next year (104) than at any previous World Cup, Fifa may feel its ability to adapt scheduling and postpone matches is limited. Lessons from 1994 The dangers of playing in high temperatures in the US have been known for some 2017, England forward Rachel Daly was treated for heat exhaustion in hospital after collapsing during a match in Houston, while playing in the National Women's Soccer League. And during last year's Copa America, Guatemalan assistant referee Humberto Panjoj had to be withdrawn from a game in Kansas City after collapsing on the the heat seems to have been a constant theme throughout the Club World Cup. Last week Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said it was "impossible" to organise normal training sessions amid a severe "code red" warning in Philadelphia, where 45% humidity made 37C feel a roasting 45C. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund's substitutes watched the first half of their match against Mamelodi Sundowns in Cincinnati from the dressing room, with manager Niko Kovac likening conditions to "a sauna".Someone who has also experienced such conditions is former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Packie Bonner, who in 1994 played in a match against Mexico in Orlando that is still remembered for the intense 41C heat his team had to endure."It was unbelievable," he told BBC Sport. "Kick-off was at noon and we couldn't handle it at all. We were a high-pressing team and we couldn't do that. But also your decision-making was affected. Your brain goes into a fog."Bonner believes conditions next year will be "treacherous from a heat point of view".But he added that, unlike back then when Fifa only allowed water to be given to players on the touchline, they are now allowed to drink on the pitch."We didn't have all the things that they have now. Players now are a little bit more used to it, and as long as they're hydrated it shouldn't be a problem," he said. 'Climate change has loaded the dice' So just how hot is next year's tournament across US, Canada and Mexico likely to be?"The hottest [so far] was USA 1994 where the temperatures in Florida and Texas were in excess of 38C," said senior BBC weather forecaster Simon King."The Qatar 2022 World Cup was moved from summer, where temperatures regularly reached 40-45C, to the cooler winter. Temperatures have been in the mid to high 30s in this latest US heatwave, but in some locations such as New York the 'heat index' (what it feels like when considering humidity too) would have felt like it was more than 50C outside. "Scientists are very clear that as our climate changes, extreme heat such as this are likely to become more frequent in the future. And the heatwaves could be hotter."In June 2023, an extreme heatwave was seen in Texas, Florida and Mexico for weeks. In Monterrey, Mexico the heat index was close to 50C and in Miami it was as high as 44C."While it is impossible to say a year ahead whether host cities like those will experience heatwave conditions, climate change has loaded the dice to an increasing chance of this happening. And if it does, it could feasibly be the hottest World Cup on record."While I can't say that it will be just as hot as one played in the Qatari summer, it's possible - if a heatwave occurred - that some games could be played in heat that would not be that dissimilar." What does Fifa say? In a statement, Fifa said its "top priority" is the health of everyone involved in football, and that its medical experts have advised Club World Cup teams on heat management and acclimatisation.A "sound, preventative concept" includes cooling breaks in the 30th and 75th minutes, the right to use five substitutions and an additional sub if a match goes into extra time. Additionally, as at next year's World Cup, all teams have a minimum of three rest days between matches to facilitate fans "are welcome to bring empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles, up to one litre capacity into the stadiums, and local authorities may implement additional measures such as hydration reminders via stadium announcements, cooling buses and water stations. 'Beat the heat tips' will be shared with all ticket holders," the statement has faced criticism over its growing links with the fossil-fuel industry, and its decision to expand the 2026 World Cup to an unprecedented 48 teams has led some environmental campaigners to claim it is actually contributing to the climate change that may now be having an impact on its tournaments. The governing body has pledged to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, and to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. But what seems clear is the issue of extreme heat is not going away. The majority of matches at the 2030 World Cup will be played in Spain, currently in the grip of its own heatwave. Storm delays It is not just the heat that could pose a threat to next year's Sunday, Maresca said the decision to suspend his team's last-16 Club World Cup tie with Benfica in Charlotte for two hours because of extreme weather was "a joke", adding that the US is "probably not the right place" to host a major was the sixth match of the competition suspended because of seasonal summer thunderstorms, in line with US safety regulations, and has obviously added to fears of similar disruption at next year's World Cup - with all the ramifications that could mean for players, fans and back in 1994 no matches at the World Cup were delayed by storm warnings, and while the US National Weather Service suggests this is due to advancements in forecasting technology and standardised safety regulations over the past 20 years, others think the weather may also be changing."Climate change will also bring more extreme weather like thunderstorms as warmer air holds more moisture and energy for more frequent thunderstorms," said King. "Studies show that for every 1C in global warming, there's a 12% increase in lightning."Whatever the reason, while such delays are rare in Europe, the chances of suspensions at World Cup matches next year appear the last week alone, MLS matches between Columbus and Philadelphia, Colorado and LA, and Dallas and San Jose have all featured storm delays of up to two may draw comfort from the fact that only one of the six match suspensions at the Club World Cup - at the MetLife outside New York - took place in a city staging World Cup games. Meanwhile, the Concacaf Gold Cup - which has also been taking place in the US over the past few weeks - has suffered no weather delays to date. But perhaps significantly, seven of the host stadiums are that only five of those being used for the 2026 World Cup have a roof, scrutiny over Fifa's choice of venues - along with the kick-off times of matches - is likely to intensify.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Is it true that … cold water plunges boost immunity?
'It's a long-held belief that taking to the waters is good for your health,' says Mike Tipton, a professor of human and applied physiology at the University of Portsmouth. From Roman frigidariums to Thomas Jefferson's foot baths, cold immersion has long been seen as curative. But does modern science support the idea that it boosts immunity? The answer: it's complicated. While cold water immersion does activate the body, that's not the same as strengthening the immune system. 'When you immerse yourself in cold water, your body undergoes the cold shock response,' says Tipton. 'You get rapid breathing, a spike in heart rate and a surge of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.' This may explain why people feel more alert or energised after a cold dip. But does it mean you're less likely to get sick? Many studies into the effects focus on immune cell activity in the blood – which can increase after cold exposure – but that doesn't always translate into fewer infections. 'It's easy to cherry-pick results,' says Tipton. He points to a frequently quoted Dutch study in which people who ended their daily hot showers with at least 30 seconds under cold water took 29% fewer sick days. While it's often used as an example of the powers of cold plunges, those participants actually reported the same number of infections as those who didn't have a cold shower. 'That might reflect increased resilience or just a willingness to push through because of being part of a study,' says Tipton, rather than better immunity. It may also be that regular cold plungers simply have a healthier lifestyle overall. A recent study by Tipton's team found that indoor and outdoor swimmers had fewer respiratory infections than non-swimmers, suggesting it may be the exercise, not the cold, doing the work. One thing is clear: too much cold is harmful. 'If your core temperature drops too far, it can suppress the immune system,' he says. His advice? Keep it short – no more than 90 seconds.
