Starmer deployed diplomatic channels to resist FIFA's World Cup kick-off change

Sir Keir Starmer instructed officials to oppose FIFA's plan to advance England's round-of-16 World Cup match six hours. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper contacted the British Ambassador to Mexico, requesting formal diplomatic representations. The move came as both English and Mexican football associations objected to the change with less than 48 hours' notice. FIFA ultimately kept the original schedule but delayed kick-off by one hour due to weather.