Police urge 'high risk' Chelsea vs Liverpool Carabao Cup final kick-off time to be changed

The Metropolitan Police have recommended that Chelsea’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool should kick off ‘no later than 3pm’ due to the game qualifying as a 'high risk fixture'.

Chelsea take on Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, February 25 with the first piece of silverware of the season on offer. The game has been initially scheduled for 4.30pm, but that could now be moved on police recommendation.

In a statement sent to football.london, the Met Police confirmed its recommendation: “Preparations for the EFL Cup policing operation are underway following the conclusion of the two semi-finals and we are working with partners including the Wembley Stadium, local authority and EFL on agreeing the kick off time,” it read.

“Our partners are aware this match qualifies as a ‘high-risk’ fixture and in accordance with national guidance from the UK Football Policing Unit, this fixture should kick off no later than 3pm.”

The two teams have met at Wembley Stadium in both domestic cup finals just two years ago. Liverpool beat the Blues in both the FA Cup and League Cup finals on penalties in 2022

Mauricio Pochettino’s side booked their place in this year’s final after coming from behind to beat Championship side Middlesbrough 6-2 on aggregate over the two legs. Liverpool, meanwhile overcame fellow Premier League side Fulham 3-2 on aggregate to book their place at Wembley.

Mauricio Pochettino told how to ‘save’ Chelsea’s season ahead of Aston Villa clash

Arsenal expected to recover £84.6m deficit to Tottenham as Chelsea sweat on Champions League woe

Chelsea have been allocated a total of 31,939 tickets for the match and will fill the west side of the stadium. The two recent finals between Chelsea and Liverpool kicked off at 4.30pm