We have consulted with Her Majesty’s Government in relation to the funeral arrangements of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and sporting fixtures on Saturday 17 April 2021.
As a mark of respect, we will be recommending that no football fixtures take place between 2.45pm and 4.15pm, a minute’s silence is observed before matches are played and black armbands are worn. All flags at Wembley Stadium and St. George’s Park will also fly at half-mast.
The Emirates FA Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium will be played as scheduled at 5.30pm and the Vitality Women’s FA Cup fourth round fixture between Manchester City Women and Aston Villa Women will be brought forward to 12noon in agreement with both clubs.
Fixtures scheduled for 3pm in the Buildbase FA Vase fourth round proper will also be moved and we have asked participating clubs to agree a suitable revised kick off time outside of 2.45pm and 4.15pm.
Should clubs not be able to mutually agree on a new kick-off time, this shall be determined by the FA.
Our thoughts continue to be with Her Majesty the Queen, our president, HRH The Duke of Cambridge, and the wider royal family during this difficult time.
