Champions League confirm huge change to final THIS SEASON… but fans left divided.

According to The Sun: Some fans are puzzled by the new rule introduced by UEFA for the Champions League this year.

The final match will now start three hours earlier.

AP

The Champions League final will kick off at 17:00 BST (18:00 CET, 12:00 ET), instead of 20:00 (21:00 CET, 15:00 ET).

This change will take effect in 2026 when the final is held at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin explained the reasons behind this decision.

“With this change, we are putting the fans' experience at the center of our planning.

“While the 21:00 CET start time works for mid-week matches, the earlier start time on Saturday for the final will ensure an earlier finish — regardless of extra time or penalties — and give fans the chance to enjoy the rest of the evening with friends and family, reflecting on the game of the season.”

Some supporters believe this will make watching the final more accessible to a wider audience.

One of them wrote on X: “Great. No need to wake up at 2 AM to watch the UCL.”

However, others express concern that the change was hardly 'necessary,' noting that 'the game is over.'

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And another commentator remarked: “It’s shameful, as this is a European competition, why should we have to consider other fans?”

Another fan expressed: “I feel that seeing the team lift the trophy in broad daylight will somewhat spoil the mood.”

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The reasons for this change are likely linked to enhancing the fan experience, improved transport to and from the stadium, safer travel, economic benefits for host cities, the ability to reach a wider audience, especially young fans, and an effort to make the event more inclusive.

This change opens up new opportunities for expanding coverage and access to markets in Asia and America, where fans previously had to wake up late to watch matches taking place in Central Europe.