Wolves match rescheduled due to Prince Philip's funeral

Wolves v Sheffield United 3pm kick-off rescheduled for Saturday evening to avoid clash with Prince Philip’s funeral… but FA Cup semi-final between Man City and Chelsea NOT expected to move from 5.30pm slot

  • Wolves’ Premier League fixture against Sheffield United was set for a 3pm start
  • But the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral is set to start just fifteen minutes before
  • The fixture has therefore been rescheduled for the 8:15pm slot on Saturday
  • West Ham’s trip to Newcastle and Man City’s clash with Chelsea is unaffected 

Wolves’ Premier League fixture against Sheffield United has been rescheduled as a mark of respect for Prince Philip’s funeral this Saturday, the Premier League has confirmed.

The fixture at Molineux this weekend was set for a 3pm kickoff, just fifteen minutes after the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral is scheduled to start at St George’s Chapel in Windsor to mark his passing at the age of 99 on Friday.

But now the top flight have confirmed Nuno Espirito Santo’s men will face Paul Heckingbottom’s side at 8:15pm, but West Ham’s visit to Newcastle will keep its original early slot to kickoff the weekend’s action. 

Wolves ‘ Premier League fixture against Sheffield United has been rescheduled as a mark of respect for Prince Philip’s funeral

The Duke of Edinburgh passed away on Friday at the age of 99, with his funeral on Saturday

West Ham’s visit to Newcastle however will remain as the early kick-off this weekend

‘As a mark of respect for His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the Premier League has rescheduled the match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sheffield United due to be played on Saturday 17 April at 3pm,’ a statement read.

‘The fixture will now kick off later in the day at 8:15pm to avoid a clash with the Ceremonial Royal Funeral. Newcastle United’s home game against West Ham United will remain as scheduled at 12:30pm. 

‘Both matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.’

It is also expected that Manchester City’s FA Cup clash against Chelsea will not be made to kick off at an alternative time. 

Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City at Wembley will be brought forward

The semi-final between Thomas Tuchel’s side and Pep Guardiola’s men at Wembley is due to start 75 minutes after the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral is set to end.

It is therefore understood Wolves’ match was moved instead to avoid clashing with the Premier League heavyweights’ clash in London, who made it to the final and semi-final of last season’s competition before being knocked out by Arsenal.

All 32 EFL 3pm matches are also being moved away from the slot, with a number of clubs having already confirmed their matches will kick off at 12.30pm instead.

The National League has also confirmed its 3pm kick-offs will instead start at 12:30.


Thomas Tuchel’s men still remain set to face Pep Guardiola’s side on Saturday at 5:30pm

Other sports have reworked their schedules too, with cricket’s County Championship set to pause between 2:50pm and 4:10pm, with the 3pm national silence observed across all grounds.

Meanwhile, the British Horseracing Authority have agreed no meetings – including the Spring Trials at Newbury –  will take place during the funeral, while racing authorities have postponed the Scottish Grand National at Ayr by 24 hours.

Premiership Rugby fixtures have also been rearranged, with Worcester’s visit to Harlequins now beginning at 5pm.

Grounds around the country and at racecourses held a two-minute silence at the weekend following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II’s husband. 

Cricket’s County Championship is also set to pause between 2:50pm and 4:10pm

WHICH FIXTURES HAVE BEEN MOVED? 

Football

Wolves v Sheffield United in the Premier League was originally a 3pm start, but now has been rescheduled for 8:15pm

The 32 fixtures set for 3pm in the Championship, League One and League Two will take place at either 12:30pm or 5:30pm

The National League has also confirmed its 3pm kick-offs will instead start at 12:30pm

Cricket

County Championship set to pause between 2:50pm and 4:10pm, with the 3pm national silence observed across all grounds

The England and Wales Cricket Board has asked all recreational cricket clubs to follow suit 

Racing

The British Horseracing Authority have agreed to no meetings will take place during the funeral, moving the Spring Trials at Newbury to Sunday

The Scottish Grand National at Ayr has been moved to the same day

Rugby

Sale’s v Gloucester and Exeter v Wasps will kick off at 12:30pm, while Newcastle v Bristol will kick off at 5pm, as will Harlequins v Worcester




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