FIFA has reportedly reversed plans to bring England’s World Cup Round of 16 match against Mexico forward. It was initially suggested that the match between the Three Lions and the co-hosts would kick off at 7pm UK time rather than 1am due to bad weather and fears of thunderstorms.
According to local Mexican media, kick-off times will remain at 1am and 6pm local time, following criticism after initial reports. It is understood that the three Lions managers were stunned without being informed of the decision. England’s leaders felt there were genuine concerns about preparations being hampered and traveling fans heading to Mexico City, with the knock-off set to kick off at 6pm local time. Thomas Tuchel’s side began their journey to Mexico on Friday with a bid to advance to the quarter-finals.
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FIFA planned to move the match forward by six hours due to fears of thunderstorms and flooding in the Mexican capital. However, neither the Football Association (FA) nor the Mexican Football Federation were consulted or confirmed about the change.
The story was reported in Mexican media while the FA remained in the dark. Following discussions with FIFA, it is now reported that the governing body has reneged on its original plans.
Thunderstorms are expected in North America, increasing the risk of suspension, but FIFA does not control regulations. Thunderstorm protocols are based on recommendations from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
And according to the guidelines, if fecal matter is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium, the match must be stopped and suspended.
Former England defender and coach Gary Neville questioned the sporting integrity of the Three Lions’ disadvantage and questioned the decision to bring the game forward.
He said: “It’s going to be confusing, we know the conditions are huge for England in the competition we know. We talk a lot about the heat, but playing at 12 o’clock in Mexico and playing at 6 o’clock in the evening are very, very different.”
“So it’s worse for the players, it’s worse for our players. Let’s be clear: this is a sporting disadvantage for England. There’s a sporting integrity issue here too, because you’ve never seen a League Two game moved, you’ve never seen a Sunday League game moved. In a way, FIFA is kind of just making it up and moving the game. It feels a little strange. You can put fan safety at the center, but this stadium with these conditions has procedures in place to deal with it. I’ve never seen it at any level. ”
