It has emerged why European football governing, UEFA, changed the Kick-offs of matches in the Champions League this year.
In previous years, matches in Europe’s premier competition began at 7.45pm with the exception of a handful of matches played in locations such as Russia.
But this season, matches will kick-off at 5.55pm and 8pm.
Two matches will generally take place in the early slot, with the remaining six at 8pm through the group stage.
Barcelona and Tottenham are first to feature in the early kick-offs with the clubs facing PSV Eindhoven and Inter respectively at 5.55pm.
The reason for this change, according to Express Sports, is that UEFA hopes that more fans will now be able to watch the matches due to different times.
It’s also hoped that the change will boost international figures resulting in increased revenue.
While the plan may work on a worldwide scale, it leaves European fans in a rush to get home for the earlier kick-off slots.
For fans in Australia and Asia, a 5.55pm kick-off time will see the match begin at 12.55am instead of 2.45am.
Those fans will be glad of getting to bed slightly earlier at least.
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