Arsenal v PSG: Why is Champions League final kicking off earlier?

The Uefa Champions League final is set with defending champions Paris Saint-Germain taking on Arsenal in a battle of contrasts both on and off the pitch . The Ligue 1 champions face the Premier League outfit in Budapest with Luis Enrique ’s side looking to defend the title they won last year in Munich by thrashing Inter Milan 5-0. The two sides met in last season’s semi-finals, with PSG emerging victorious 3-1 on aggregate, though Arsenal now have a chance at revenge after emerging from a fiercely competitive semi-final against Atletico Madrid .

Mikel Arteta’s side are looking to complete a famous double, with the title race against Manchester City heading towards the final day, too. Uefa has switched the kick-off time for this year’s final, however, with the game kicking off at 5pm BST on 30 May. That is three hours earlier than previous years, when the match kicked off at 8pm BST, with Uefa detailing their reasons for the move.

“The decision is designed to enhance the overall matchday experience for fans, teams and host cities by optimising matchday logistics and operations, while delivering several tangible benefits,” read a Uefa statement. “Our goal is to make match day a truly enjoyable experience for everyone who wants to be part of the excitement, while creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy for families and children to attend the biggest and most important club football match of the season. Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, catches the ball as Luis Enrique, Head Coach of Paris Saint-Germain (Getty) “For travelling supporters, it will mean improved access to public transport - especially after the match - and a safer, more convenient journey back from the stadium.

For the host cities, it will boost the positive economic impact of the event by giving fans the possibility to continue their celebrations. “The new kick-off time also aligns with a more accessible broadcasting window, helping the final reach an even broader television and digital audience worldwide, with a particular focus on engaging younger viewers. ” While Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin added that the change would allow fans to enjoy the rest of their evening and debrief on the match and season overall for their teams.