‘Utterly shambolic’ – Possible chaos looming as Champions Cup and FA Cup finals set to clash

Adam Kyriacou
Champions Cup and FA Cup final fixture clash on Saturday, May 25.

Champions Cup and FA Cup final fixture clash on Saturday, May 25.

There is growing concern over possible transport chaos in London on Saturday, May 25 when the Investec Champions Cup and FA Cup finals are both set to take place.

It was confirmed today that the Manchester City versus Manchester United soccer clash will kick off at 3pm and of course takes place at the iconic Wembley Stadium.

That has subsequently cast a shadow on the Champions Cup final that is scheduled to take place at 2:45pm at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, due to possible transport chaos.

Two finals in London

Having both games take place at the same time would mean public transport would be stretched in England’s capital as supporters make their way in, out and around London.

Respected football journalist Henry Winter wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday, before the FA Cup kick-off time was rubber stamped, that police would likely deem the derby as “high risk”, which is a main reason why the meeting would take place earlier in the day as it helps reduce alcohol consumption and crowd trouble before the match.

Now that the clash has been confirmed as a 3pm kick-off it has led to rugby fans expressing their concern and voicing their opinions on the social media platform.

“Both matches are being shown on ITV which presents a dilemma for the broadcasters and the powers that be. Will the Champions Cup delay their kick off?” was RugbyInsideLine’s question on X, with a mixed reaction in the replies as some fans hoped for a later kick-off while others accepted that the game might be moved to ITV4.

Loose Pass: Leinster becoming a ‘runaway monster’, rotation problems and Newcastle Falcons concern

The FA Cup final usually takes place at 5:15pm but, due to a risk of fan trouble in and around Wembley, Met Police concerns have again seen the game brought forward.

Television clash

It’s not just transport issues that fans are concerned about as some rugby supporters feel the clash with the FA Cup final will also hit viewership figures of its sport’s final.

“So the FA Cup & Champions Cup final are set to kick-off at the same time. Both being shown by ITV so the Champions Cup will get bumped to ITV4 & have significantly lower viewing figures. Surely someone saw this coming. Rugby really doesn’t help itself,” wrote TightFiveRugby on X in an opinion that was shared by many in the comments.

“The kicker will be if it’s an all English final too,” Michael replied, with Northampton Saints and Harlequins of course battling to secure their place in the showpiece game.

Alan Dobson’s view was short and sweet on X. “Utterly shambolic as usual,” he wrote while Tigers4Life! added: “Game shooting itself in the foot again! ridiculous.”

READ MORE: Autumn Nations Series: All the 2024 fixtures including dates and kick-off times

Champions Cup