FIFA has decided to keep the kick-off time between England and Mexico in Mexico City at 1am BST despite talks to bring it forward six hours. The world football governing body had been engaged in detailed discussions on Friday to move Sunday’s World Cup round of 16 match at Estadio Azteca from 6pm local time to 12 noon local time due to the threat of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
Potential Change Criticised
Had the change been implemented, the kick-off time in the UK would have shifted from 1am on Monday morning to the more sociable hour of 7pm on Sunday. The prospective change was criticised publicly by Mexico manager Javier Aguirre, who admitted he was “angry” at the schedule potentially changing at such short notice. However, FIFA has decided to keep the kick-off time at 6pm local time.
UK Parliament and Pubs
Significant discussion in the UK Parliament led to pubs in England and Wales being granted special late-night licences, allowing them to stay open until 5am on Monday morning. This was achieved by granting an exception to red tape that would normally require individual venues to apply for special permission to serve alcohol beyond standard hours.
Previous Weather Delays
Mexico’s round of 16 game against Ecuador was delayed by an hour before kick-off due to electrical storms in Mexico City. That game was also held at the Azteca, which stands at 7,220 feet above sea level and will pose a challenge to England’s players due to high altitude. England flew from Kansas City to Mexico City on Friday evening.
