Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reported to have intervened to prevent FIFA from moving the kick-off time for England's World Cup match against Mexico, amid concerns that the change could have given the Mexican team an unfair advantage. The allegations suggest Starmer's office pushed back against a last-minute proposal to advance the game's start time.
Reports emerged on Friday, approximately 54 hours before the scheduled last-16 tie in Mexico City, that FIFA was considering an earlier kick-off. This potential shift was reportedly attributed to forecasts of extreme weather and safety considerations for fans. However, the match ultimately began an hour later than its scheduled 1 a.m. UK time on Monday due to thunderstorms in the local area.
Following England's 3-2 victory, claims surfaced that Starmer played a crucial role in blocking the proposed earlier start. A source cited in The Sun indicated that Starmer opposed the move, suspecting it was a tactic by Mexico to disrupt England's preparation and adaptation to the high altitude of the Azteca stadium, which sits at 2,240 meters above sea level.
Downing Street sources, however, have downplayed the extent of Starmer's direct involvement, suggesting that the FA alerted the Prime Minister to the issue and its potential complications. The government, through diplomatic channels, was reportedly made aware of the situation, enabling intervention rather than a direct command from the Prime Minister to the FA to stand firm.
The potential shift in kick-off time also raised concerns for England supporters. With two flights scheduled to arrive in Mexico City from Atlanta on Sunday, an earlier start time could have made it difficult for many fans to reach the Azteca stadium in time for the match. The England Supporters' Travel Club had an official allocation of 3,000 tickets for the game.