UEFA Announces Earlier Kickoff for Men’s Champions League Final
In a significant change aimed at enhancing the experience for fans, UEFA has announced that the men’s Champions League final will kick off three hours earlier than in previous years. Set to commence at 6 p.m. local time in Central Europe (12 p.m. Eastern Time), this adjustment is designed to make the event more family-friendly and accessible to a wider audience.
This new schedule responds to concerns over the late-night finish associated with the previous 9 p.m. start time, which often led to match conclusions occurring just before midnight, especially in instances of extra time and penalties.
First Implementation at the Upcoming Final
The upcoming final on May 30, held at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary, will be the first to implement this change. UEFA’s decision follows discussions with the Football Supporters Europe (FSE), which represents fan interests. They emphasized the benefits of an earlier kickoff, such as facilitating day trips to the match and alleviating travel pressures for attendees.
Ronan Evain, FSE’s executive director, noted that the new timing would allow fans to fully enjoy the festivities and celebrations post-match without the anxiety of navigating late-night transport.
Improving Global Accessibility
Furthermore, this shift is expected to improve accessibility for viewers around the globe, particularly younger audiences, as it falls within a more favorable time slot for television broadcasts. Through this change, UEFA aims to enhance the overall viewing and participation experience of the Champions League final for all football enthusiasts.
