The Emirates FA Cup final is set to kick off at 3pm next month (May 2024). However, the Metropolitan Police do not want the Manchester derby to begin any later than 5:15 p.m. because of the risk of crowd problems at Wembley in a repeat of the 2011 final, when the start time was moved up to 3 p.m. instead of 5:15 p.m.
The FA prefers early evening games because they draw larger television audiences, particularly in the UK and the United States, but Wembley sources are content with the Cup final starting at its usual time of 3 p.m.
After discussions between the FA, the Met Police, Brent Council, and TV rights holders BBC and ITV, it is anticipated that the start time on May 25 will be determined later this week.
The decision will be a commercial blow for the FA and broadcasters, particularly ITV, due to the clash with the Champions Cup final, which is scheduled to begin at 2:45 p.m., despite the fact that Manchester United and City fans traveling to London are likely to welcome a kickoff at 3 p.m.
Both matches are owned by ITV, which is likely to broadcast the rugby on ITV4, which will have a significant impact on the channel’s viewing figures.
The rugby authorities are also dissatisfied with the match because it is likely to be completely overshadowed, making it one of the most important events of the club season. Northampton and Harlequins are both in the semis, as are Leinster and Toulouse.
Football Legend, Romario, Back On The Field. Here Are Details
The Champions Cup’s kickoff time has been chosen to avoid clashes with coverage of the Cannes Film Festival and the football French Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon, which is also scheduled for May 25.
Another potential complication has been created by the Champions Cup final being held at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, although the Met has not raised concerns about two major sporting events taking place in London on the same day. Tournament organizers European Rugby Cup Ltd. are unwilling to change the Champions Cup’s kickoff time.
The Met has taken an increasingly cautious approach to policing football in recent years, and the EFL is dissatisfied with being forced to move this year’s Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea to 3 p.m. because of the change in kick-off times. On the same day, ITV will also broadcast rugby’s European Champions Cup.
In the interim, the FA have declined to remark on the issue.
