FIFA HALTS PLAN TO MOVE ENGLAND-MEXICO KICK-OFF EARLIER

FIFA abandoned a plan to move England's World Cup last-16 match against Mexico forward by six hours, according to reporting on the scheduling decision. The original kick-off time remained in place following what was described as a series of barriers to the earlier start. The decision came after the rescheduling proposal had reached an advanced stage of consideration.

Mexico had applied pressure for the schedule change, and the modification was reported to be "all but done" before FIFA reversed course. Three fan deaths were cited as context to the scheduling discussions, though the reporting did not specify the circumstances connecting those deaths to the fixture or the kick-off time decision. The exact nature of the barriers that prevented the earlier kick-off time was not detailed in available accounts.

The decision meant England supporters in Britain faced a late kick-off time for the match, presenting scheduling difficulties for those watching from home. FIFA's final determination to retain the original start time concluded the fixture scheduling matter. The match proceeded under the unchanged arrangements.