A football match between Chelsea and Liverpool nearly led to an air tragedy in Iceland. According to reports from the Safety Investigation Authority (SIA), a group of air traffic controllers at Reykjavik airport became distracted while watching the 2024 EFL Cup Final, causing two planes to come dangerously close to colliding. The aircraft were separated by only 23 meters over the town of Skerjafjördur, triggering serious safety concerns.

The incident occurred on February 25, 2024, while three controllers were on duty in the control tower. According to the audio recordings reviewed during the investigation, conversations unrelated to air traffic management were recorded, all revolving around the match taking place in England. Additionally, the background noise of the broadcast was clearly heard, proving that the operators were more focused on the game than on their critical responsibilities.

The highest-risk moment happened at 3:26 PM when a cardboard panel fell to the floor, creating a loud noise that further distracted the controllers. At that precise moment, the two aircraft came dangerously close to each other, almost leading to a collision with potentially catastrophic consequences. The reports concluded that the workers' lack of attention played a key role in the risky aerial maneuver, as they were not fully focused on monitoring the air traffic.

Following the investigation, authorities decided to remove the television from the control tower, which had been intended only for moments of low activity. This case has sparked a heated debate about aviation safety and the protocols that must be followed in airports to prevent distractions. Fortunately, the incident did not escalate, but it highlighted the risks of losing focus in such a high-responsibility profession.

Liverpool secured victory that day with a goal from Virgil van Dijk in extra time, but the true impact of the match was felt thousands of kilometers away. What was meant to be an exciting final almost turned into an air disaster, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of concentration in critical jobs.