FIFA landed themselves in hot water for its disorganisation amid uncertainty over when England‘s Round of 16 clash with Mexico at the World Cup will take place.

The round-of-16 match at the Estadio Azteca had initially been scheduled for 6 pm local time (1 am BST). Rumours surfaced online that FIFA were looking to move the game to 7 pm BST due to a risk of weather disruption.

The game has now been confirmed to go ahead as planned with a 6 am kick-off. That’s despite floods and thunderstorms being forecast, which led to discussions over moving the game forward by six hours.

Huge claim over FIFA changing England vs Mexico kick-off

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It’s now being reported that weather concerns weren’t the only reason FIFA were preparing to make a change. There is talk in Mexico of a change to the kick-off time due to discussions between British broadcaster BBC and FIFA.

Mexican sports executive Pepe Hanan claims that the schedule change was due to a “negotiation between the BBC and FIFA.” He suggested that television coverage played a role in the potential new kick-off time.

Hanan said that neither the English nor Mexican FA “had anything to do with it” and that they weren’t asked for their opinions. The kick-off time prompted outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer to allow pubs to stay open until 5 am on Monday morning.

The BBC took their time reporting on the potential change during coverage of Egypt’s win over Australia on Friday evening. They have since refuted claims in Mexico about their alleged involvement and said the corporation “was not involved in these discussions.”

For Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions, the situation is a massive distraction as they prepare for a daunting trip to the Azteca. While a U-turn hasn’t occurred, it has evidently left the FA looking for answers ahead of a crucial World Cup game.

Marcus Rashford on kick-off uncertainty

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Marcus Rashford insisted England weren’t thrown off by the possibility of a kick-off time change and that they remained focused on the game. The Three Lions forward, who started in his nation’s 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo in the previous round, explained how it doesn’t affect Tuchel’s camp:

The same can’t be said for England fans who are attending the game, as their travel plans may have been thrown into disarray. FIFA didn’t officially confirm a new kick-off time but reports indicate that there had been a real possibility of them doing so.

There have also been concerns about safety ahead of the match after four fans lost their lives following Mexico’s win over Ecuador in the Round of 32. Mass celebrations involving one million fans in Mexico City led to fatalities, and President Claudia Sheinbaum warned supporters about drinking and to avoid packed gathering spots.

Arsenal and Liverpool will both likely be competing for similar players in the summer transfer window.

The Gunners and Liverpool are both competing in the Champions League next season, so they have the offer of European football to attract players.

Arsenal might feel they have an advantage over Liverpool in the race to sign some stars due to the fact that they reached the Champions League final and won the Premier League last term.

Both sides are still incredibly attractive as long as they remain in Europe, with the attraction of playing in the Premier League also a huge factor for players.

Both Liverpool and Arsenal are in the market for midfield additions this summer, and the Gunners could now be ahead in the race to sign one star.

Arsenal Storm Ahead of Liverpool

According to a report from TeamTalk, Arsenal are prepared to loan midfielder Ayoubb Bouaddi back to the French club in the summer transfer window if they secure his signature.

The Gunners are keen on signing Bouaddi alongside the likes of Liverpool, but they both face plenty of competition.

Arsenal are ahead of Liverpool in the race as Lille might not be happy with the latter’s stance. Liverpool are unconvinced by the idea of loaning Bouaddi back to Ligue 1.

Bouaddi also has interest from around Europe, including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain.

If a club like Arsenal is willing to sign Bouaddi and send him back on loan for the season, while Liverpool isn’t, it’s obvious that the French club would prefer him to move to the Gunners.

Liverpool Could Regret Decision

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Liverpool could regret the decision not to allow Bouaddi to return to Lille on loan as part of a deal in the summer transfer window.

If that is the only way of securing his signature ahead of other clubs, then the Merseyside outfit should be considering doing so.

Arsenal and other clubs appear happy to remain patient in the race for Bouaddi, who has been described as ‘elite’, which could result in Liverpool missing out on the player.

Either way, it looks set to be a competitive race for Bouaddi’s signature in the summer transfer window, with a host of clubs pushing to sign him.

Manchester United’s dream target for the summer transfer window could be available for £77m, with his club seriously considering selling him.

The Red Devils have already missed out on some key targets in the last few weeks, and they won’t want to see that happen again.

Mateus Fernandes made the move to Tottenham despite United showing a strong interest in the Portuguese midfielder, while Elliot Anderson moved to their rivals Manchester City.

United clearly didn’t want to pay the kind of fees that Tottenham and Manchester City were willing to pay, which is a fine strategy as long as you bring in alternatives.

Signing a new midfielder will remain United’s priority, and their dream target could now be available.

Man Utd’s ‘Dream’ Target Available

According to journalist Rodra, Real Madrid are now seriously considering selling Aurelien Tchouameni in the summer transfer window.

It’s claimed that the Spanish giants will consider selling him for a fee in the region of £77 million, which could be good news for Manchester United.

Reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that Tchouameni is United’s ‘dream’ target for the summer transfer window.

It will be interesting to see if this news prompts United to make a move to secure his signature, as they desperately need midfield reinforcements.

Missing out on both Anderson and Fernandes, United need to get a move on when it comes to midfield additions, and Tchouameni could be the ideal signing.

Man Utd Need to Make a Statement

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Manchester United now need to make a statement when it comes to bringing in a new midfielder during the summer transfer window.

Every United fan knows that Anderson and Fernandes were two priority targets for the Red Devils. They now need to ensure they make a statement move in order to get a top midfielder through the door.

Anderson and Fernandes would have both improved United significantly, and they could risk falling behind their rivals if they don’t make a strong midfield signing.

There is plenty of time remaining in the window, but United fans may be getting frustrated with the difficulties they are having at the moment.