Manchester City receive update from UEFA over major Champions League final change | OneFootball

UEFA have this week announced a significant alteration to the scheduling of their Champions League final showpieces.

For decades, the Champions League final has been synonymous with a late kick-off time, a tradition that shaped the rhythm of European football’s most prestigious night.

Manchester City fans, who have seen their club reach the pinnacle of the competition in recent years, will know how late finishes often add logistical challenges, especially for those travelling from across Europe.

Now, UEFA believe the time is right to reshape the fixture’s image, aiming to align it more closely with the needs of match-going supporters and host cities. This latest development comes against a backdrop of UEFA increasingly listening to supporter groups in order to make finals more accessible.

The organisation has faced criticism in recent years over fan experience, particularly surrounding ticket allocations, stadium access, and travel issues after finals. The earlier kick-off looks set to be part of a wider effort to ensure finals are not only broadcast spectacles but also more manageable and enjoyable events for fans in attendance.

For City, who are often among the favourites to reach the competition’s latter stages, the change could be particularly welcome. Their supporters have built a strong tradition of travelling en masse across Europe, and making late-night journeys back to airports or hotels has long been a challenge. An earlier kick-off time might ease that burden significantly.

Now, as confirmed and announced by UEFA, starting with the 2026 final in Budapest at the end of the ongoing season, the kick-off time of the Champions League final will move forward from 21:00CET to 18:00CET.

UEFA state that the decision is designed to “enhance the overall matchday experience for fans, teams and host cities by optimising matchday logistics and operations, while delivering several tangible benefits”.

As for travelling supporters, UEFA state that the change will mean “improved access to public transport – especially after the match – and a safer, more convenient journey back from the stadium”. As for the host cities of the Final, it will “boost the positive economic impact of the event by giving fans the possibility to continue their celebrations”.

Offering his thoughts on the change, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said, “We are placing the fans’ experience at the heart of our planning. The UEFA Champions League final is the highlight of the football season, and the new kick-off time will make it even more accessible, inclusive, and impactful for everyone involved.

“While a 21:00CET 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.”

Elsewhere, Executive Director for Football Supporters Europe Ronan Evain said, “This is a welcome step forward for match-going fans that we very much support. Over the last couple of years, Football Supporters Europe has worked closely with UEFA to improve the fan experience at club finals, and this change further reflects the recognition of supporters’ needs.

“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 and continues to build on the progress already made to enhance the welcoming atmosphere, accessibility and service levels at UEFA finals.”

Looking ahead, the change could also have knock-on effects for broadcasting, with a primetime Saturday evening slot potentially bringing in even larger audiences from across Europe.

For Manchester City, who have become regulars in the business end of the competition, this shift may also play into the club’s wider ambitions of growing their international fanbase, especially across Asia where earlier European kick-offs are more favourable for viewers.

If Pep Guardiola’s side continue their pursuit of European dominance, Manchester City fans may be among the first to feel the tangible benefits of the new scheduling. From easier travel logistics to longer evenings of celebration, the Champions League final of the future is being shaped with them, and millions of other match-going fans, firmly in mind.