BBC pushing to change FA Cup final kick off time - due to EUROVISION

BBC chiefs have pushed for another 3pm kick-off for the final - because of the . will face at Wembley on Saturday, May 17, in English football’s showpiece game of the domestic season.

But the date of the grand occasion also clashes with the ever-popular Eurovision Song Contest which is being staged in Basel, Switzerland, this year. Last year’s FA Cup final kicked off at 3pm and this year’s start time will be confirmed as soon as possible.

The song contest - which features 26 acts in the grand final - is always a massive ratings success for the . And this year, the Grand Final is even being shown in cinemas across the country with an 8pm start.

Graham Norton has been confirmed as the host again for the 69th edition of Eurovision with the group Remember Monday representing the .

Incredibly, last year’s Eurovision peaked at over eight million viewers - but there could be a potential clash if the FA Cup final goes all the way.

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It has kicked off at 5.15pm in the past and Saturday’s semi final between Palace and started at that time while the second semi between and Manchester City started at 4.30pm.

That would be fine if it is settled within 90 minutes but if it goes to extra time and even penalties then there could be an overlap with the start of the Eurovision contest and certainly the build-up.

BBC share the rights for the FA Cup final with and last year it started at 3pm with United upsetting the odds by beating City in a Manchester derby which drew in 9.1 million viewers.

The 3pm start time is always hugely popular with traditionalists but also fans as well because it allows them to travel back home if they are outside of London.

It also means that if it started at 3pm, it would be over by 6.30pm at the very latest even if it went to extra time and penalties.

The Association and local licensing authorities always consult with police and the council to set the kick-off time and take into account travel, safety and policing.

The semi finals this year took nearly a week to arrange because they needed the green light from police with the London Marathon being staged on the same Sunday and officers would be stretched.

This time the request could be different because of the Eurovision Song Contest.

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