After holding discussions regarding a change for the start time of the World Cup round of 16 match between England and host Mexico on Sunday, the match will remain at its scheduled time, multiple media outlets reported on Friday.
FIFA reportedly spoke with the Mexican and English football federations about altering the kickoff time in an attempt to avoid inclement weather.
According to the BBC, worries about the players’ readiness and travel logistics involving spectators prompted the decision to leave the game time unchanged.
The kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. local time in Mexico City, 1 a.m. in the United Kingdom. FIFA discussed moving up the kickoff six hours to noon at Azteca Stadium, which would be 7 p.m. in the UK and 2 p.m. Eastern time, per the reports.
Mexico’s 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the round of 32 on Tuesday in Mexico City was delayed due to rain.
France’s group-stage match with Iraq on June 22 was paused under tournament safety rules when lightning strikes are detected within eight miles of the stadium, resulting in an automatic 30-minute delay to play.
England defeated the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2-1 on Wednesday in Atlanta to advance to the round of 16.
Fans of the Three Lions in Great Britain probably would have preferred the earlier start time. Licensing laws were relaxed to allow pubs in the United Kingdom to stay open until 5 a.m. local time.
Had FIFA moved up the England-Mexico match, it reportedly might also have moved the kickoff time for Brazil’s round of 16 match with Norway from 4 p.m. Eastern on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J., to avoid a potential overlap with the contest in Mexico City.
–Field Level Media
