LONDON, December 7 – World governing body FIFA announced on Saturday that the kick-off in next year’s World Cup group game between England and Italy in Brazil has been brought forward by three hours.
The opening Group D fixture on June 14 in the Amazonian city of Manaus had been due to begin at 21:00 local time (01:00GMT), but will now start at 18:00.
FIFA reportedly changed the kick-off time in order to appease European broadcasters who were concerned about viewing figures.
With temperatures in Manaus capable of exceeding 30 degrees Celsius in June and humidity levels surpassing 80 percent, England manager Roy Hodgson had expressed satisfaction with the original kick-off time.
Reacting to news of the new kick-off time, England managing director Adrian Bevington said: “We have been informed by FIFA of the change in kick-off time to ours and a number of other fixtures.
“Roy is aware, we are very relaxed about it and will continue to make the necessary preparations.”
