Downing Street clarifies Starmer’s role in England World Cup kick-off talks amid political interference row
Downing Street has moved to clarify Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s involvement in discussions about the kick-off time for England’s World Cup match against Mexico, amid a wider debate over possible political interference in Fifa by American president Donald Trump.
Sir Keir is understood to have intervened to prevent FIFA from delaying the match kick-off from 6pm to 12pm local time on Sunday. Such a change would significantly shorten England’s preparations for the last 16 match, played at high altitude in Mexico City.
News of Sir Keir’s intervention emerged on the same day FIFA was accused of bowing to political pressure from President Trump over the red card given to US striker Folarin Balogun. But the Prime Minister’s official spokesman was keen to distinguish between the two situations.
“The Prime Minister made clear that he supports the statements made by the Football Association regarding the practical consequences of the proposed change in the program for the team’s preparations,” the spokesman said. he said.
“The final decision on fixture timings remained a matter for FIFA. However, as we have repeatedly said, decisions regarding disciplinary matters and the application of the rules of the game are the responsibility of Fifa and the relevant football authorities.”
When asked about the precise nature of the government’s actions (specifically whether it was liaising with the Mexican government or directly with FIFA), the spokesman said: “I won’t go into the internal processes behind this, but the Prime Minister has said that he supports the statements made by the FA and I think it is on record that the FA has made statements about the change of schedule and its potential impact on the England team. But as I said, the final decision on that remains a matter of fixture timings for FIFA.”
As a result, the match started an hour later than planned due to a storm in the local area.
However, England advanced to the quarter-finals by winning 3-2, thanks to Jude Bellingham’s brace in the first half and Harry Kane’s penalty in the second half.
FIFA has been approached for comment.
