LONDON: What happens when British “tradition” comes up against the finale of the world’s biggest sporting spectacle? Neither gives! But it is a no brainer to figure out as to who loses out in this “scheduling altercation”. Sports fans around the world are in for a treat on Sunday, July 15 as the Wimbledon Men’s Singles final and the FIFA World Cup final will be held on the same day. However, they could face a potential dilemma as their timings are all set to clash. This is an issue which neither Wimbledon nor FIFA could come to a consensus.
Wimbledon’s organizers say that the marquee match has always been held each year at 2 pm BST (6.30 pm IST) and that they had discussions regarding the clash with FIFA as men’s singles finals have over the years, gone beyond the 2.5 hours mark. The World Cup final on the other hand, will begin at 4 pm BST (8.30 pm IST).
Mick Desmond, commercial and media director at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC), confirmed that Wimbledon had no plans to change their timing nor show the screening of the World Cup final outside the court on the big screen.
“It’s slightly surprising FIFA had the idea of kick-off at four o’clock. It’s not something they’ve done in the past, but that’s the decision.
“You know, our tournament (final) always starts at two o’clock – we’ll start at two o’clock.”
“There was dialogue (between Wimbledon and FIFA) and there was dialogue between the broadcasters.
“I think broadcasters who’ve got both sets of rights were concerned. At the end of the day, FIFA decided to do that.”
A FIFA spokesman on the other hand claimed that its decision with regards to the timing of the World Cup final had taken place back in December 2015, keeping in mind the demand of the global market and to attract more Russian locals to watch the game as well on the ground and other media platforms.
“We got the question a long time ago and we answered the question a long time ago.
“The kick-off times for the FIFA World Cup were set in co-operation with a range of stakeholders and taking into account a number of aspects such as the global broadcast market and feasibility for the fans – both in terms of attending the matches and reaching a wide TV audience.
“Following those discussions, it was decided on December 3 2015 that the 2018 FIFA World Cup final match will take place at 6pm (Moscow time).
“I understand now people are waking up (to the clash), but the decision was already made.”
