0 o clock! UEFA official: Starting this season, the Champions League final will kick off 3 hours in advance

This resolution aims to improve the overall viewing experience for fans, participating teams and host cities by optimizing the organizational management and operation process of the event day, and at the same time bring a number of substantial benefits. Our goal is to allow all viewers eager to participate in this event to enjoy a truly enjoyable event day experience, creating a friendly atmosphere that welcomes families and children to the biggest and most important club football event of the season.

For Expedition fans, this move means better public transport connections – especially in the post-match phase – and a safer and more convenient return experience. For the host city, this will further enhance the economic benefits of the event by extending the time for fans’ celebrations.

The new kick-off time will also fit in a more convenient global broadcasting period, helping the finals reach a wider audience of TV and digital platforms, especially to attract the attention of young audiences.

UEFA President Alexander Cheferin said: "This adjustment puts the fan experience at the heart of our planning. The Champions League final is the highlight of the football season, and the new kick-off time will allow all participants to experience this event more conveniently, inclusively and deeply. Although the start of 21:00 CET is suitable for mid-week events, the early kick-off of Saturday's final means that the game will end earlier regardless of whether it enters overtime or penalty shootouts, giving fans the opportunity to spend the rest of the night with their relatives and friends and reminisce about the peak battle of the season. "

Football Supporters European Association Executive Director Ronan Evan pointed out: "This is a positive move that is highly praised by us and benefits fans who watch the game on site. Over the past few years, the Association has worked closely with UEFA to improve the fan experience of the club's finals. This change further reflects the importance of supporters' needs. Early kick-off makes the day's round trip more feasible, reduces the pressure on the itinerary, and allows fans to enjoy the event without worrying about late-night logistics arrangements. This is a pragmatic improvement that puts fans first and continues the progress we have made in improving the welcome atmosphere, accessibility and service level of the UEFA finals. "

The latest adjustment is based on a successful precedent. The Champions League final has been held on Saturday since 2010. This calendar plan has continued to achieve significant success as the final event of the European club season - not only strengthened fan participation, but also promoted the global development of European club events.