FIFA’s decision to try and reschedule England’s World Cup round-of-16 game against Mexico was reportedly not primarily due to weather concerns.
England’s match at the Azteca Stadium was originally planned to start at 6pm local time (1am Monday BST), before last-minute talks to move the kick-off time forward by six hours.
Several outlets in Mexico reported on Friday night that the decision had been made, although FIFA remained silent despite widespread confusion.
Both Mexico and England’s football federations appeared totally blindsided by the discussions, with England’s players told for the first time about the possibility by members of the media after their training session that day.
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And yet after five and a half hours of confusion for teams, fans and broadcasters, FIFA eventually decided to scrap any change and proceed with the scheduled kick-off time.
The organisation insisted that a change was considered due to forecasts of heavy thunderstorms and rain in the area during the match.
Earlier this week, Mexico’s win against Ecuador in the last-32 stage was delayed due to thunderstorms around Azteca Stadium, with the game kicking off an hour later than scheduled.
However, The Athletic reports that concerns around fan safety were actually the key factor in seeking an earlier kick-off time.
Discussions are said to have begun following Mexico’s win over Ecuador, which saw four home fans die during the post-match celebrations.
Talks then accelerated as concerns grew as to whether local organisers could enable the game – as well as any post-match celebrations – to pass without incident.
An earlier kick-off was seen as a way to avoid fans drinking all day in the build-up to the match, which could add to the possibility of post-match troubles.
The report adds that FIFA had virtually confirmed the move internally but ultimately shelved plans after public outcry from those involved, such as Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre.
Speaking to Radio Formula before FIFA rowed back the changes, he said: ‘This change feels like a kick in the stomach. Now we have to rethink everything.
‘It’s not like all the work we’ve done goes out the window, but it comes pretty close because we’re losing six hours that were part of our entire matchday plan.
‘I don’t like it at all. Obviously, we’ll comply with whatever FIFA decides, but neither my players nor I are happy about it.
‘There’s absolutely no advantage to playing at noon. None whatsoever. It really throws a wrench into everything.’
England forward Marcus Rashford had described the proposed change as ‘not ideal’, while Morgan Rogers added: ‘It’s just another obstacle to overcome. We’ll be ready regardless of the time.’
England have now arrived in Mexico City and were booed by home fans as their team bus made its way into their hotel.
There is expected to be roadblocks and increased security around England’s hotel after Mexican fans kept Ecuador’s players awake the night before their last-32 game.
Car horns, motorcycles and loudspeakers were used to disturb the players, with Ecuador eventually submitting a complaint to FIFA after their 2-0 defeat.
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