UEFA announce new kick-off time for Champions League final

Ziyad Jamal

UEFA announce new kick-off time for Champions League final image

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UEFA have announced that starting from the 2025/26 season, the Champions League final will be played at an earlier kick-off time.

Since the 2018/2019 season, the fixture has had a start time of 21:00 CET (20:00 BST), but club football's biggest event will now begin three hours earlier.

It means the match will be broadcasted live to viewers in the UK at 5pm and most of Europe at 6pm.

The 2025/2026 Champions League final will take place on Saturday May 30 2026 at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.

The change in kick-off time is based around improving the overall experience for football fans.

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Reasons for the final's kick-off time change

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin spoke on the decision when the announcement was made on Thursday morning (August 28).

Aleksander Ceferin

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"We are placing the fans' experience at the heart of our planning. The Champions League final is the highlight of the season, and the new kick-off time will make it even more accessible, inclusive, and impactful for everyone involved."

"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," he added.

"(The new kick-off time) offers fans the opportunity to enjoy the rest of the evening with friends and family, reflecting on the game of the season."

According to Ronan Evain, the Executive Director for Football Supporters Europe, logistical reasons are also part of the reason the drastic change has been made.

"An earlier kick-off makes day trips more feasible, reduces travel stress, and allows fans to enjoy the occasion without worrying about late-night logistics. It’s a practical improvement that puts fans first."

Thursday's announcement marks the biggest change to club football's showpiece event since the fixture began being held on a Saturday night from the 2009/2010 season, after previously taking place on a weeknight.

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Ziyad Jamal

Ziyad Jamal contributes to Sporting News - UK Wires as a freelance writer focusing on all sports. He has written for sites including GiveMeSport, Planet Sport and IBTimes UK. He graduated with a degree in BA (Hons) Football Business and Media at UCFB Wembley in 2021.