UEFA have announced that the 2025/26 Champions League final has been handed a brand-new kick-off time.
Next year's showpiece clash, which will take place on Saturday, May 30, has been scheduled to kick off at 5pm in the UK.
A change has been made to this season's Champions League final
2
A change has been made to this season's Champions League finalCredit: Getty
This means that the game at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary will be starting three hours earlier than usual, with the final typically getting going at 8pm.
The Champions League final has been held on a Saturday every year since 2010, with an 8pm kick-off the norm.
However, that has now been switched in a major change that UEFA says has been made to 'enhance the overall matchday experience for fans, teams and host cities.'
The governing body state that they are aiming to make the matchday enjoyable for fans and create a 'welcoming atmosphere' for families and children to attend the game.
READ MORE ON EUROPE
This change may come after fan troubles before and after the final between Liverpool and Real Madrid in Paris in 2022.
UEFA also reference the travelling supporters at the final, with the earlier kick-off allowing for easier access to public transport, particularly after the match.
And also after the big game, UEFA believe the 5pm start will allow fans to continue their celebrations, which will provide an economic boost to the host city.
Broadcasting has been considered too, with the earlier kick-off opening the door for more coverage worldwide and to a younger audience.
UEFA president Alexander Ceferin said on the significant switch: "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.
UEFA are hoping the early kick-off helps to better the experience for fans
2
UEFA are hoping the early kick-off helps to better the experience for fansCredit: Getty
"While a 21:00CET (20:00GMT) kick-off is well suited for midweek matches, an earlier kick-off on a Saturday for the final means an earlier finish - regardless of extra time or penalties - and offers fans the opportunity to enjoy the rest of the evening with friends and family, reflecting on the game of the season."
The Executive Director for Football Supporters Europe, Ronan Evain, has also commented on the big change.
Evain said: "This is a welcome step forward for match-going fans that we very much support.
"Over the last couple of years, Football Supporters Europe has worked closely with UEFA to improve the fan experience at club finals, and this change further reflects the recognition of supporters’ needs.
"An earlier kick-off makes day trips more feasible, reduces travel stress, and allows fans to enjoy the occasion without worrying about late-night logistics.
"It’s a practical improvement that puts fans first and continues to build on the progress already made to enhance the welcoming atmosphere, accessibility and service levels at UEFA finals."
Champions League fixture schedule
League Phase
Matchday 1: September 16-18
Matchday 2: September 30-October 1
Matchday 3: October 21/22
Matchday 4: November 4/5
Matchday 5: November 25/26
Matchday 6: December 9/10
Matchday 7: January 20/21
Matchday 8: January 28
Knockout Phase
Knockout phase play-offs: February 17/18 and 24/25
Round of 16: March 10/11 and 17/18
Quarter-finals: April 7/8 and 14/15
Semi-finals: April 28/29 and May 5/6
Final: May 30
When does the Champions League start?
The 2025/26 Champions League campaign gets going on September 16 with the opening League Phase fixtures.
League Phase games will then be played across the next four months, with Matchday 8 coming on January 28.
In February, the knockout phase play-offs begin, before the two-legged round of 16 ties get started on March 10.
The two legs of the Champions League quarter-finals will be held on April 7/8 and then on April 14/15.
Read More on talkSPORT
Semi-final ties are scheduled for April 28/29 and May 5/6.
And the final in Budapest will be played on May 30, with its brand-new earlier kick-off time of 5pm in the UK.
Jason Cundy rips into Celtic after incredible defeat to Kazakhstan side Kairat in UCL qualifiers!