Reason Why Sniffer Dogs Wear Crocs at the FIFA Club World Cup
- Sniffer dogs have been spotted wearing Crocs at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup for a rather unusual reason
- The bizarre scene unfolded during Chelsea's 3-1 defeat to Flamengo at Lincoln Financial Field on Friday
- Experts warn that similar extreme weather could create major challenges for players, fans, and broadcasters at next year's World Cup
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Sniffer dogs have been spotted wearing Crocs at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States and now, the reason behind this bizarre sight has come to light.
The tournament is finally gaining momentum after a slow start, with teams and individuals delivering impressive performances.
However, the competition's expansion from seven to 32 teams was initially met with skepticism, especially over concerns about player welfare.
Source: Getty Images
Extreme weather disrupts FIFA Club World Cup
One of the biggest challenges for both organisers and participants has been coping with extreme weather conditions since the tournament kicked off.
The severe heat and unpredictable storms have affected both gameplay and security arrangements.
Borussia Dortmund's bench was even forced to retreat indoors, watching their game on TV from the locker room to escape the unbearable heat on the sidelines, per ESPN.
At least four matches have faced delays or disruptions due to hazardous weather.
In one instance, Mamelodi Sundowns’ clash with Ulsan was postponed because of thunderstorms and the risk of lightning strikes in Orlando.
In addition to storms, players have been battling extreme heat, with temperatures soaring as high as 40 degrees Celsius during some matches.
Why sniffer dogs wear Crocs at the Club World Cup
The unbearable temperatures have impacted more than just players — even the security dogs are feeling the heat.
In a surprising move, sniffer dogs tasked with ensuring safety at the month-long event have been spotted wearing Crocs.
According to the Daily Mail, the dogs were fitted with rubber footwear to protect their paws from the scorching pavements during the tournament.
The unusual scene occurred during Chelsea's 3-1 defeat to Flamengo at Lincoln Financial Field, where officials had declared a "Heat Health Emergency."
Despite the evening kick-off, temperatures hovered above 35°C, with oppressive humidity making conditions difficult for everyone involved.
Earlier that week, residents had also received tornado alerts, adding to the list of weather concerns plaguing the tournament.
Source: Getty Images
What about the 2026 World Cup?
Unfortunately, these extreme weather challenges aren't going away. Research published in The International Journal of Biometeorology has urged FIFA to adopt aggressive heat management strategies ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States, Mexico, and Canada will co-host.
“Teams at the 2026 men’s FIFA World Cup will face heat stress beyond recognised thresholds, especially during afternoon kick-offs,” warned Dr Oliver Gibson.
He recommends organisers implement effective cooling breaks and avoid scheduling matches during the hottest parts of the day to protect players’ health and maintain performance levels. Cooling strategies will be critical as the next World Cup edges closer.
Inter star threatens PSG fan
In another weird scene, YEN.com.gh reported that Inter defender Francesco Acerbi threatened to beat a Paris Saint-Germain fan who taunted him about his battle with Bradley Barcola during the Champions League final.
The heated exchange took place during a meet-and-greet event in Seattle, where tensions briefly flared.
Source: YEN.com.gh
