BBC issue statement on accusation after Mexico vs England KO drama | Football | Sport

However, there were reports claiming the match had been brought forward to 7pm on Sunday evening, amid concerns of thunderstorms around Mexico City. This news enraged Mexico manager Javier Aguirre, who confirmed the match had, albeit temporarily, been brought forward by seven hours, while the FA was also concerned by the abrupt manner the decision was taken. In the end, the kick-off time remained in place after FIFA held emergency talks. In the fallout from the uncertainty, one Spanish-speaking outlet accused the BBC of having a role in the kick-off time being brought forward.

FOX Sport Spanish claimed the BBC, as one of the World Cup broadcast rights holders, pushed for the kick-off time to be brought forward so it was more favourable for UK audiences. A BBC spokesperson has since come forward and insisted they “were not involved in these discussions” and thus played no part.

It’s also understood that the FA were blindsided by the kick-off time change. The news of the alteration was broken by radio station TUDN, while other sources insisted a statement on the new start time was imminent – no statement was ever issued by FIFA.

The BBC also understand the FA were not informed about the kick-off time until around 8pm BST, while the Mexican Football Federation were apoplectic with the last-minute decision. Mexico manager Javier Aguirre was particularly angry, describing the decision as a “kick in the stomach”.

Aguirre told Radio Formula: “It’s not like all the work we’ve done goes out the window, but it comes pretty close because we’re losing six hours that were part of our entire matchday plan.

“I don’t like it at all. Obviously, we’ll comply with whatever FIFA decides, but neither my players nor I are happy about it. There’s absolutely no advantage to playing at noon.

“None whatsoever. It really throws a wrench into everything. FIFA is in charge, so we’ll just have to deal with it. If anyone asked me, I’d say keep the 6pm kick-off. It’s a significant change.

“I can understand there may be reasons behind it but nobody consulted me, and yes, I’m pretty upset. At the end of the day, though, our job is to go out there and win.”