UEFA Confirms Earlier Kick-Off for Champions League Final
UEFA has announced that the Champions League final will kick off at 5pm GMT this season, a major change aimed at enhancing the matchday experience for fans around the world.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin explained that the decision was taken with supporters at the heart of the planning process, making the showcase game more accessible and inclusive.
“With this change, we are placing the fans’ experience at the heart of our planning. The new kick-off time will make it even more accessible, inclusive, and impactful for everyone involved,” Čeferin said.
Traditionally, the final has been played at 9pm CET (7pm GMT), but UEFA believes an earlier start will benefit fans both in stadiums and at home.
“While a 21:00 (CET) kick-off is well suited for midweek matches, an earlier kick-off on a Saturday for the final means an earlier finish — regardless of extra time or penalties — and offers fans the opportunity to enjoy the rest of the evening with friends and family, reflecting on the game of the season,” Čeferin added.
The adjustment means that this season’s final will not only finish earlier but could also attract a wider global audience, particularly in regions where late-night scheduling previously posed challenges.
The change marks one of the most significant tweaks to UEFA’s showpiece event in recent years and underscores the governing body’s focus on fan engagement.