The 2023-2024 football season sees the second consecutive meeting of two teams from the North West in the oldest competition in football. Last year, Manchester United advanced to the final by defeating Coventry City in a penalty shootout after the Championship club made an impressive comeback from three goals down during normal time.

Discussions with the Metropolitan Police led to the final being scheduled for a 3pm kick-off time, the first of its kind since 2011. This decision was made to manage the high risk nature of the fixture and address logistical challenges for traveling supporters, which may be repeated in 2024, with a 2:45pm kick-off time.

Conversely, the European Rugby Cup Limited, organizers of the Champions Cup, have indicated their inflexibility regarding the final’s timing. Their choice of a 2:45pm kick-off aims to avoid clashes with the Cannes Film Festival and the Coupe de France in France.

However, this decision may impact the viewership of the Champions Cup match on ITV4, potentially overshadowing the match-up between Northampton, Harlequins, Leinster, and Toulouse. Concerns have not been raised over the proximity of the two fixtures, and the stadium is expected to be handed over to UEFA before and after the final.

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