England’s last 16 tie against Mexico set to be brought forward | OneFootball

England’s last 16 tie against Mexico is set to be brought forward to 7pm BST on Sunday.

The match was scheduled to be played at 6pm local time (1am BST), but FIFA is set to bring the match at the Azteca, Mexico City forward.

FIFA are yet to provide any explanation for the change, but forecasts suggest thunderstorms and heavy rain around the original kick off time. The protocols around electrical storms are not set by football’s governing body, but are based upon the recommendations of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

According to NOAA guidelines:

“Matches must be halted and suspended if lightning or electrical discharge is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium.

“In that situation, players and staff will leave the field and go to the changing rooms, while fans are advised to find shelter inside the stadium.

“For the game to restart, there must be no further lightning strikes detected within that eight-mile radius of the venue for a full 30 minutes. If a lightning strike is detected, the 30-minute countdown resets.

“Once that 30-minute countdown has finished, fans can return to their seats, and players will return to the pitch for a 15-minute warm-up before the game restarts.”

Discussions are ongoing between FIFA and the FA but no decision has been made.