THE FA CUP final has been given a brand new kick-off time just two weeks before the showpiece match at Wembley Stadium.
Manchester City and Crystal Palace’s season-concluding clash will start at a later time of 4:30pm BST on Saturday May 17.
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The new time was agreed following collaboration with the two clubs, broadcasters, local authorities, police and the Safety Advisory Group.
The FA Cup final has traditionally kicked off at 3pm – a time preferred by police.
The 2022 final between Chelsea and Liverpool was forced to start at 4:45pm.
FA insiders confirmed that discussions over the kick-off time were delayed, with broadcasters BBC and ITV at odds.
The Beeb wanted the game to start in the traditional 3pm slot – ensuring that even if the match were to go to extra-time or penalties there will be no overlap issues with the Eurovision Song Contest broadcast due to start at 8pm.
ITV were understood to be pushing for a 5.30pm kick-off to maximum viewer numbers and advertising demand.
City booked their place in the final for the third straight year with a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest last Sunday,
Goals from Rico Lewis and Josko Gvardiol gave Pep Guardiola the chance to end a disappointing season with another trophy.
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Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are chasing their first ever FA Cup gong after thrashing Aston Villa in the semi-final on Saturday.
A wonder striker from Eberechi Eze and a double from Ismaila Sarr secured Palace’s third ever final in the competition.
No Premier League matches have been scheduled for the final.
And City will be hoping that their fans actually turn up, after thousands snubbed the journey against Forest.
Fans of both clubs are already raging over an increase in ticket prices – a first in six years – with fees ranging from £175 for a category 1 ticket to £50 for category 4.
That’s a rise of £30 for category 1 tickets compared to the 2024 final.
They had also been hit by uncertainty over the kick-off time, hampering travel and accommodation plans for supporters making the trip down from Manchester.