**FA Cup Final’s Kick-Off Time Adjusted Amid Broadcast Dispute**
The 2025 FA Cup final is set to begin at an unprecedented time this Saturday, following significant negotiations between broadcasters, football authorities, and public agencies. Manchester City and Crystal Palace will face each other at Wembley Stadium, striving to close their campaigns with a coveted trophy. However, this year’s event will depart from tradition after a high-profile clash between the BBC and ITV over the start time.
Manchester City, having already clinched the Community Shield earlier in the season and aiming for another addition to their trophy haul, will meet a Crystal Palace side invigorated by the prospect of their first major silverware. Palace have twice fallen at the final hurdle in previous FA Cup encounters and hope to rewrite their history against the holders.
Unlike recent finals which kicked off at the customary 3pm slot, this year’s showpiece match will commence at 4.30pm. The timing was settled earlier this month, the outcome of protracted consultations involving club representatives, both broadcasters, local police, the Safety Advisory Group, and the respective local authorities.
Reports suggest that the disagreement originated from the BBC’s wish to preserve the traditional afternoon kick-off due to its overlapping schedule with the Eurovision Song Contest — a television event that draws millions of viewers annually. The BBC, keen to protect its Eurovision coverage, which begins at 8pm, was concerned that any delay or extension of the football would cut into one of the network’s flagship broadcasts.
On the other side, ITV was understood to favour a much later 5.30pm start. Their argument was grounded in the potential to maximise viewing figures in the early evening weekend slot, boosting advertising revenue and ensuring the final reached the widest possible audience. The impasse risked a situation where the two major broadcasts — the FA Cup conclusion and Eurovision — would directly compete for public attention.
A compromise was ultimately struck, avoiding overlap with Eurovision and addressing the logistical concerns around policing and event management. The new 4.30pm kick-off marks the first time this slot has been used for the FA Cup final. Similar adjustments have occurred in recent years: 2022’s final between Chelsea and Liverpool began at 4.45pm, partly due to Eurovision considerations, while the 2021 and 2020 editions kicked off at 5.15pm and 5.30pm respectively.
Saturday’s final sees Manchester City making a third consecutive FA Cup final appearance, having faced rivals Manchester United in the last two seasons. Their route to Wembley in 2025 was secured with a convincing 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the semi-final, courtesy of goals from Rico Lewis and Josko Gvardiol.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have enjoyed a memorable cup run, sealing their place in the final with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Aston Villa. Strikes from Eberechi Eze and a brace from Ismaila Sarr ensured their safe passage and established them as serious contenders. The south London club hasn’t reached the final since 2016, when they suffered heartbreak in extra-time against Manchester United.
The decision to shift the final’s kick-off time encapsulates the growing influence of broadcast partners on major sporting occasions. Balancing tradition with modern scheduling demands can be a fraught process, particularly when national and international audiences are at stake.
Fans attending the event are advised to plan accordingly with the earlier kick-off time in mind, and the Football Association has reassured the public that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure smooth operation in and around Wembley. With millions expected to tune in across television and digital platforms, the stage is now set for a unique finale to the English domestic season.
As anticipation builds for what promises to be an absorbing encounter, both Manchester City and Crystal Palace will be acutely aware that, this time, history will be made not only on the pitch but in the broadcast schedules as well.