UEFA confirms big change to Champions League final as Liverpool fans told news
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UEFA has announced that the Champions League final will commence three hours earlier than customary this season, with the draw taking place on Thursday.
Liverpool fans need to be aware of the news, with Arne Slot's side in contention to reach the big game later this season.
The Champions League final has traditionally started at 9pm CET, which is 3pm ET.
The alteration to the final constitutes the most substantial modification to the tournament since they shifted the final from a Wednesday to a Saturday in 2010.
UEFA justified its decision by stating: "The decision is designed to enhance the overall matchday experience for fans, teams and host cities by optimising matchday logistics and operations, while delivering several tangible benefits.
"Our goal is to make match day a truly enjoyable experience for everyone who wants to be part of the excitement, while creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy for families and children to attend the biggest and most important club football match of the season."
The Champions League draw takes place on Thursday
UEFA also emphasised how the earlier kick-off time would significantly ease logistical challenges for supporters following the final.
Typically, both sets of fans are experiencing a new stadium, unfamiliar city, and frequently find themselves in a different country altogether.
UEFA also maintained that host cities could reap enhanced economic rewards.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said: "With this change, we are placing the fans' experience at the heart of our planning
The UEFA Champions League final is the highlight of the football season, and the new kick-off time will make it even more accessible, inclusive, and impactful for everyone involved."
The Puskas Arena will stage its inaugural Champions League final, having only been constructed in 2019.
The Budapest venue can accommodate 67,155 spectators and previously served as one of the grounds utilised during the continent-wide Euro 2020 tournament.
This campaign will represent the first occasion that Hungary has ever staged the Champions League final.
It served as the backdrop for the Europa League final in 2022, which Sevilla claimed on penalties against Jose Mourinho's Roma.
The ground takes its name from the legendary Hungarian striker Puskas, who secured the European Cup on three occasions with Real Madrid, and remains the sole player to net a hat-trick in two finals.