The FA Cup final`s kick-off time might sensationally be adjusted to avoid a conflict with a major annual television event.
This year`s final of the world`s oldest cup competition is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, at Wembley Stadium.
According to reports, Manchester City is looking to salvage their season by lifting the cup against Crystal Palace.
The expected kick-off time is 3:00pm, though a later start, like the 5:15pm semi-final between Palace and Aston Villa last weekend, is also possible.
However, the BBC is reportedly advocating for the 3:00pm start time to prevent a conflict with the Eurovision Song Contest broadcast.
A kick-off after 5:00pm, especially if the match extends into extra time or penalties, significantly increases the likelihood of overlapping with the beginning of Eurovision.
This overlap would be avoided with a 3:00pm kick-off, which would finish around 6:30pm if it went to penalties.
The Football Association (FA) is expected to confirm the final start time for the match within the current week.
The FA`s decision on the kick-off time will also be influenced by other factors, including consultations with the local council and police.
Unusually, this year`s final is scheduled to occur BEFORE the conclusion of the Premier League season.
No Premier League matches are scheduled for the final day, as the domestic season concludes on Sunday, May 25.
Manchester City secured their place in the final by defeating Nottingham Forest 2-0 in their semi-final last Sunday.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace reached the final for the first time since 2016, and only the third time in their history, after a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa.
