UEFA will order water breaks for the European Super Cup clash between Manchester United and Real Madrid if the stifling heat of Skopje poses a threat to player safety.
The so-called Lucifer heatwave in central Europe has pushed temperatures in the Macedonian capital towards 40 degrees ahead of the showpiece game at the Filip II Arena on Tuesday night.
If it exceeds 32 degrees by kick-off, UEFA will implement a water break 30 minutes into each half to protect the players from the intense heat and humidity, and keep them hydrated. That was the case when United played Madrid in Santa Clara a fortnight ago in the only afternoon kick-off of their summer tour of America.