UEFA confirm Champions League final change ahead of draw for league stage | OneFootball

The kick-off time for next year’s Champions League final in Budapest on 30 May has been changed to 5pm UK time.

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

“With this change, we are placing the fans’ experience at the heart of our planning,” UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said.

“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.”

The announcement comes ahead of the draw for the Champions League league stage on Thursday evening.

Premier League clubs Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea will find out which sides from Europe they will face in their effort to progress to the knockout stage.

Hayters.com will bring you live updates from the draw at 5pm.