England's World Cup clash with Mexico in chaos as FIFA spark fury with axed plan to change kick off time
The last 16 tie in Mexico City has been thrown into uncertainty after reports emerged that the kick-off time could be moved forward six hours.
England's World Cup clash against Mexico has been thrown into chaos after FIFA sparked fury with reports that the kick-off could be brought forward by six hours over thunderstorms.
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The Three Lions' second knockout game of the tournament was originally scheduled for July 5 at 6pm local time and 1am BST on Monday morning.
But on Friday evening, FIFA was reported to be in discussion about moving the clash at the iconic Estadio Azteca to 12pm local time (7pm BST on Sunday).
After hours of uncertainty, it was then reported that the kick-off time may remain unchanged.
Throughout, FIFA has failed to reaffirm the original time or confirm the change.
The lack of clarity has reportedly infuriated officials from both the FA and Mexican federation - as well as fellow participants Brazil and Norway, whose matchup will take place at 9pm BST on Sunday.
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It comes after Mexico's match against Ecuador earlier this week was delayed due to rain.
Other matches have also been affected by severe weather across the United States and Mexico, with a thunderstorm causing a two-hour delay during France’s 3-0 win over Iraq in Philadelphia
England too experienced weather delays ahead of the tournament during their clash against Costa Rica.
It comes after Sir Keir Starmer announced pubs can stay open until 5am on Monday morning so fans can watch the game.
MPs had called for leeway beyond the 2am extended pub opening hours already in place for England matches during the football World Cup.
The blanket extension means individual pubs do not need to apply for extended hours.As well as hundreds of Greene King and Marston’s pubs, a spokesperson for Fuller’s said that as of Friday morning 23 pubs were planning to stay open.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council has slammed timing of the Government’s decision.
In a joint statement, Chief Constable Mark Roberts, NPCC lead for football policing, and Acting Chief Constable Scott Green, NPCC lead for alcohol licensing and harm reduction, said the “late announcement” meant forces having to adapt plans and take officers away from communities.
They also asked England fans to be considerate to others and drink “sensibly” during the game.