UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer intervenes to oppose FIFA moving England’s World Cup match against Mexico to an earlier kick-off time, according to multiple reports. The proposed change would shift the game from 1am UK time (6pm local time) to 7pm BST, which would be earlier for England’s players. Several outlets say Downing Street becomes aware of the plan after being alerted by the Football Association (FA). The government cites concerns that the time change would reduce the amount of time available for England to acclimatise to Mexico City’s high altitude ahead of the match. Reporting also indicates Starmer instructs officials to oppose the proposal through diplomatic channels. The accounts describe the intervention as aimed at preventing the match schedule from giving Mexico a potential advantage related to preparation for altitude conditions. The reports agree on the core details: FIFA considers altering the kick-off time, the UK government—via Starmer—responds to resist the change, and the stated rationale involves acclimatisation time.
Starmer intervenes to block FIFA changing England vs Mexico kick-off time
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer intervenes to oppose FIFA moving England’s World Cup match against Mexico to an earlier kick-off time, according to multiple reports. The proposed change would shift the...
- FIFA is reported to have proposed changing the kick-off time for England’s World Cup match against Mexico.
- The original kick-off time is described as 1am UK time (6pm local time), with a proposed earlier shift to 7pm BST.
- Downing Street is reported to be alerted by the Football Association about the proposed time change.
- The UK government says the change would reduce England’s time to acclimatise to high altitude in Mexico City.
- Starmer is reported to have instructed officials to oppose the schedule change through diplomatic channels.
The UK Government stepped in to oppose FIFA moving the England vs Mexico match from 1am, fearing Thomas Tuchel's side would have less time to adapt to the altitude for their Round of 16 clash
1 month agoPM stepped in over proposal to shift World Cup match to an earlier time, amid concerns it would benefit MexicoKeir Starmer intervened through diplomatic channels to oppose Fifa’s plan to bring forward England’s World Cup game against Mexico, amid concerns the change would hand the hosts an unfair advantage, it is understood.The prime minister instructed officials to argue against proposals to move the kick-off from 1am UK time (6pm local time) to earlier after being alerted by the Football Association that it would reduce England’s time to acclimatise to the high altitude in Mexico City. Continue reading...
1 month agoDowning Street were alerted by the FA that the time change would give players less time to adapt to the altitude
1 month agoThe UK Government stepped in through diplomatic channels to oppose moving the match from 1am to 7pm BST, it is understood.
1 month ago
Russian missile and drone strikes hit Kyiv overnight, killing at least 16
Russian missile and drone strikes hit Kyiv overnight, with multiple outlets reporting deaths and dozens of injuries. Fig...
“Nonna-maxxing” trend sees tourists seek experiences led by older Italian locals
Italian travel outlets report a growing tourism trend sometimes dubbed “nonna-maxxing,” in which visitors seek “grandma...
Death toll rises as flash floods in Nepal and Tibet leave more than 1,000 missing, including Australians
Deadly flash floods hit Nepal and Tibet, killing over 160 people while leaving more than 1,000 people reported missing....