Keir Starmer wants to bring football home before he leaves No. 10 Downing Street.

The British prime minister intervened to help stop FIFA from rescheduling England’s football match in Mexico City by several hours, keeping the kickoff set for 1 a.m. Monday morning U.K. time. FIFA had considered starting the England-Mexico game at 7 p.m. Sunday U.K. time, friendlier for British viewers but tougher on English players acclimatizing to Mexico City’s grueling high elevation.

The departing PM — who is due to leave office the day after the World Cup final — was contacted by the English Football Association to alert him to the problem before he made a diplomatic intervention, UK government officials confirmed. The Sun newspaper first reported Starmer’s involvement.

The Estadio Azteca stadium is 2,240 meters above sea level, with the location and altitude not as familiar to British players.

Forrás