FIFA’s attempt to bring England’s kick-off with Mexico forward by six hours was halted by a series of barriers – including a reluctance from officials in New York and New Jersey to shift their own fixture.
Daily Mail Sport understands that a decision to move the game to start at 7pm – rather than 1am – was ‘all but done’ according to those with knowledge of the situation.
Sources added that significant pressure was placed on FIFA to make the change by the Mexican government following the deaths of three fans amid chaotic scenes after their last-32 victory over Ecuador.
However, the proposals – which the FA was stunned to learn of via Mexican media – were met with an angry response from both England and Mexico, whose coach publicly lambasted the prospect.
And it can also be disclosed that FIFA were met with short shrift when they asked if those in New York/New Jersey would entertain moving the start time of Brazil’s clash with Norway at the MetLife Stadium.
Had the Azteca Stadium clash been brought forward it would have kicked off just two hours before the game in New Jersey. Officials pointed out that planning for such a kick-off time had been ongoing for months and that it would be logistically impossible to move it.
Talks around moving the kick-off time at just 48 hours notice were met with anger by the FA
As such, and amid a negative reaction from both of the two sides involved, FIFA eventually decided that the game could not be moved and, to cap a shambolic few hours, confirmation that the time would not be shifted, after all, came while England were in the air on their way from their training base in Kansas City to Mexico City.
The threat of adverse weather was also a factor in talks, with thunderstorms forecast for kick-off, which is 6pm local time. Flash flooding, in particular, was a concern.
Officials here in Mexico City are now bracing themselves for what may be an incredibly challenging day, with more than a million people expected on the streets.
The three victims died from suffocation during celebrations after the game as wild parties took hold of the streets around the Angel of Independence monument on the Paseo de la Reforma in downtown Mexico City. The scene of the tragedy is close to the high-end hotels where many top officials are based. A 19-year-old woman, a 44-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman were all found unconscious on the floor and attempts at CPR were unsuccessful.
While police and military are launching a large-scale operation there remain serious concerns over the prospect of further fatalities tomorrow.
There was a view within the Mexican government, which was shared with FIFA, that an earlier kick-off would take away the possibility of fans drinking all day before the game and the prospect of it impacting on what would follow late into the night.
While England were left surprised that they initially found out via media, there is some sympathy in that broadcasters in Mexico were involved in early discussions and may have been responsible for the subsequent leak.
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre described the suggestion as ‘a kick in the stomach’ before it was confirmed a change would not be made
‘We have to change everything,’ he told local radio station Grupo Formula.
‘It’s not that [Mexico’s preparation] is completely ruined but almost, because you have to swallow six hours that you had programmed.
‘Obviously we will comply with Fifa. I don’t like it at all, and neither do my players.’
Privately, it is thought his England counterpart Thomas Tuchel shared similar views.
At kick-off the forecast is for rain and thunder and lightning, although the latter is currently due to pass by 8pm. England are expected to be backed by around 15,000 fans. Officials will ask them to be courteous and to ensure they are in groups while on the streets.
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