The Prime Minister's Office has been accused of overstepping its bounds in football politics after reports emerged that Keir Starmer intervened via diplomatic channels to block FIFA's proposal to reschedule England's World Cup match against Mexico. The move, reportedly made at the request of the Football Association (FA), aimed to prevent an earlier kick-off time that would have given the host nation a perceived advantage.
The intervention, which has sparked debate over the role of politics in sporting decisions, was prompted by concerns that the new kick-off time would reduce England's crucial acclimatization period in Mexico City. This issue had been raised by the FA earlier, and it is understood that Mr Starmer instructed officials to argue against moving the kick-off from 1am UK time (6pm local time). The proposed change was subsequently shelved.
The Prime Minister's involvement in England's World Cup campaign has raised eyebrows among Conservative MPs, who have accused him of politicizing the tournament. However, Labour sources point out that Mr Starmer's actions were aimed at ensuring fair play and protecting British interests. This is not the first instance of government intervention on behalf of England's team: last week, emergency legislation was passed to allow pubs in England and Wales to extend their opening hours for the knockout fixture.
While the late kick-off may have been unpopular with UK viewers, it brought a significant boost to the hospitality industry. Figures from Heineken UK showed that drinks sales increased by 67% compared with the same period last year, while food sales rose by 81%. The delayed kick-off coincided with the busiest trading period, with total sales experiencing a staggering 4,782% increase year-on-year.
The success of England's World Cup campaign has also had a broader impact on the night-time economy. Data from MRI Software suggests that footfall on UK high streets between midnight and 6am was almost 150% higher than during the corresponding period a year earlier. However, neither Downing Street nor the FA have commented publicly on the reported diplomatic intervention.
Mr Starmer's actions have been seen as a shrewd move to capitalize on England's success and demonstrate his government's commitment to supporting British interests abroad. The Prime Minister was praised by supporters for his efforts in securing the delayed kick-off, with many taking to social media to express their gratitude. However, critics argue that the intervention sets a worrying precedent for government interference in sporting decisions.
The Conservative Party has sought to capitalize on the reports of the kick-off time intervention, with a Tory source stating that it is "unprecedented" and "a sign of desperation". Despite this criticism, Labour MPs have rallied behind Mr Starmer, arguing that his actions demonstrate his dedication to supporting British interests abroad.