Football

FA Cup Final Kick-off Time: Why is the Crystal Palace vs Man City Clash at 4:30pm?

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By
Sushan Chakraborty
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Sushan Chakraborty Sports Editor

Sushan Chakraborty has been writing professionally since debuting with 90min in 2017. He has since typed out thousands of articles, learning the trade from some of the smartest minds in the business. Now at Sportscasting, he is striving to whip up his best articles yet.

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Published12 May 2025

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The FA Cup final between Crystal Palace and Manchester City will take place at the iconic Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 17. Breaking from tradition, the 2024-25 final’s kick-off time has been set for 4:30 PM BST.  

The FA Cup is the oldest knockout cup competition in Europe, holding a very special place in English football. This year, the finale will see Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace come together with Pep Guardiola’s Man City. While Palace will aim to win their first FA Cup, the Cityzens will push hard to avoid a trophyless campaign.

Traditionally, the FA Cup final has kicked off at 3:00 PM BST, with the time historically favoured by police. This year, however, the FA Cup final’s kick-off time has been pushed back to 4:30 PM, leaving many scratching their heads. SportsCasting examines the reason behind the sudden shift.

FA Cup Final Kick-off Time: Why Is It at 4:30 PM This Season?

The 4:30 PM kick-off time for the 2024-25 FA Cup final was set after detailed discussions with Crystal Palace, Man City, broadcasters, police, local authorities, and the Safety Advisory Group. The police wanted the game to kick off at 3:00 PM, but a dispute between broadcasters BBC and ITV pushed the time back.

According to The Sun, the BBC wanted the 2024-25 FA Cup final to adhere to the traditional 3:00 PM kick-off time. It wanted to wrap up the FA Cup final coverage long before the Eurovision Song Contest, which is scheduled to air at 8 PM BST. The 3:00 PM kick-off would have ensured that Eurovision would have proceeded without interruption even if the FA Cup final went into penalties.

ITV, meanwhile, pushed for a 5:30 PM kick-off to boost viewership and revenue from ments. After multiple rounds of to-and-fro, BBC and ITV, alongside all other involved parties, agreed to a 4:30 PM kick-off.

Interestingly, ITV will commence the FA Cup final coverage at 3:00 PM, despite complaining about the lack of viewership and revenue.

Fans Unhappy With Updated FA Cup Final Kick-Off Time

While broadcasters and clubs are seemingly okay with the 4:30 PM kick-off time, fans are moaning about the inconveniences the postponement would bring.

@DenzelTrotter wrote:

“FA Cup Final kickoff time 4.30 pm

“Thinking of the Fans NOT”

Renowned journalist Henry Winter highlighted the difficulties fans might face if the game goes beyond the 90 minutes.

“FA insists 4.30pm kick-off for FA Cup final “agreed in collaboration with the competing clubs, broadcasters, local authorities, police, and the Safety Advisory Group”. But not with fans? Last train back to Manchester is 9.01pm.

“If extra-time/pens, MCFC fans won’t leave Wembley until 7.30ish, then long queue for Tube, dash to Euston etc. Not ideal, forcing fans to take coaches/cars or book accommodation. NB: final kick-off 3pm in 2023, 2024. (4.45 in 2022). Stick to 3pm. Respect tradition – and fans.”

@LewisSzn_ added:

“Clear we arent their priority. Travelling down to Wembley for the 2nd time in 4 weeks spending an absolute fortune and broadcasters only care about ad revenue and Eurovision.”

@frankum_ian also noted his disapproval, writing:

“Disgraceful you moan about managers not taking the competition seriously then trash traditions yourselves and treat the fans like mugs , you are strangling this beautiful game.”

Another disgruntled fan, @Sandance1888, wrote:

“Shame on the FA, putting fans last. You’re quick to virtue signal at every opportunity by taking a knee, rainbow armbands and other woke gestures. But when you’re in full control of decisions and can “make a difference”, you show your true colours. You don’t care about fans.”

It will be interesting to see if the FA hears these voices and opts for a more accommodating schedule next time around.