FIFA does not plan to move the World Cup final, despite deteriorating air quality in the New York area due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. This was reported by Bloomberg, citing informed sources, writes UNN.
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According to the agency, informal consultations on the situation took place involving FIFA representatives and White House World Cup working group leader Andrew Giuliani, but no official meetings regarding a possible relocation of the match are currently scheduled.
The final match between the national teams of Spain and Argentina is set to begin on Sunday at 10:00 PM Kyiv time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. According to Bob Oravec, senior forecaster at the U.S. Weather Prediction Center, most of the smoke is expected to dissipate by Sunday.
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As Bloomberg notes, employees of the U.S. National Weather Service worked in the FIFA command center throughout the tournament and continue to monitor weather conditions.
The agency adds that smoke from massive wildfires in Canada has already affected the holding of other sporting events in the U.S., including MLS and MLB matches, and warnings have been issued in several American cities due to hazardous air quality.