Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestylePrime Minister Sir Keir Starmer intervened in discussions to prevent England's World Cup match against Mexico from being brought forward from 6pm to 12pm local time. Sir Keir's involvement was aimed at safeguarding England's preparations for the last-16 fixture, which was scheduled to be played at high altitude in Mexico City. Downing Street clarified that the Prime Minister supported representations made by the Football Association regarding the practical implications of the proposed scheduling change, while noting that the final decision remained with Fifa. The Prime Minister's actions took place amid wider accusations of political interference in Fifa by American president Donald Trump concerning a red card issued to a United States striker, though Downing Street distinguished the two situations. Ultimately, the match kicked off an hour later than originally scheduled due to local thunderstorms, with England securing a 3-2 victory to advance to the quarter-finals. In fullDowning Street clarifies Starmer’s role in England World Cup kick-off talks amid political interference rowMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Sir Keir Starmer and the Downing Street staff kicked a ball around Number 10 in a good luck video message to England ahead of their World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico. The…

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The Prime Minister is claimed to have stepped in to help block world football's governing body from bringing forward the kick-off time for the Three Lions' World Cup clash.

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Downing Street were alerted by the FA that the time change would give players less time to adapt to the altitude

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer blocked FIFA's plan to move England's World Cup match against Mexico, citing altitude concerns and competitive fairness.

PM stepped in over proposal to shift World Cup match to an earlier time, amid concerns it would benefit Mexico

Keir Starmer confirmó que gestionó, junto con la Federación Inglesa, que la FIFA mantuviera el horario original del duelo entre México e Inglaterra.

It was revealed earlier this week that Starmer played a role in ensuring England’s kick-off time against Mexico was not brought forward

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestylePrime Minister Sir Keir Starmer intervened…

Sigue la polémica luego de que el presidente estadounidense confirmara que llamó a la Fifa para retirar la roja contra Folarin Balogun.

The FA were left in the dark on Friday when reports first emerged that the match could be brought forward by six hours.

The plot fell apart after widespread criticism and objections from the English and Mexican Football Associations - as well as outgoing prime minister Starmer.

Donald Trump has been accused of hypocrisy after the White House accused Keir Starmer of 'putting lives at risk' over the kick off time of England's last World Cup match

White House adviser Andrew Giuliani claimed PM Keir Starmer put lives at risk by intervening to block a change to England's World Cup Round of 16 kickoff time against Mexico

President Trump called FIFA boss Gianni Infantino asking for a ‘review’ of Balogun’s dismissal

Andrew Giuliani compared President Trump’s involvement with the role Starmer played before England’s round of 16 clash with Mexico.