Metropolitan Police Forces Kick-off Time Change for FA Cup Semifinal

The FA Cup semi-final between Manchester United and Coventry has had its kick-off time brought forward due to concerns from the Metropolitan Police regarding public safety. Initially requested for 4pm, the match will now start at 3:30pm on Sunday 21 April. This decision follows discussions between the FA and the Met with concerns raised over potential public order issues.

This change in kick-off time adds to a series of recent disagreements over scheduling, frustrating governing bodies and broadcasters alike. The Met’s classification of matches involving Manchester United and Liverpool as high-risk has caused consternation with previous fixtures also affected.

Additionally, the possibility of an earlier kick-off for the FA Cup final at Wembley on 25 May has been acknowledged, which could pose challenges for broadcasters like ITV, who are scheduled to broadcast both rugby’s Investec Champions Cup final and the FA Cup final on the same day.