Why FA are breaching TV blackout rules for Man City vs. Sheffield United

The FA were forced to breach their own TV blackout rules for the FA Cup semi-final tie between Manchester City and Sheffield United.

Man City vs. Sheff United kicked off at 4:45pm, which clashed with the 2:45pm-5:15pm blackout period.

The proposed kick-off time was 5:30pm to meet the TV blackout criteria.

However, the FA were forced to breach their own blackout rules due to police advice.

Erling Haaland and Jack Robinson duel for the ball during Manchester City vs. Sheffield United. Image: Alamy

Local police told them the fixture on Saturday could not kick-off any later than 4:45pm on safety grounds.

A spokesperson for the FA said: "The kick-off times for our fixtures are scheduled in collaboration with the clubs, local authorities, police, and broadcasters.

"We were informed by the police and local safety advisory group that 16.45 was the latest time possible for this tie."

It won't be the only time Man City are televised during the TV blackout period as their Premier League showdown against Leeds United on Saturday, May 6 is due to kick-off at 3pm.

The decision has been made so Man City vs. Leeds doesn't clash with the King Charles III's coronation.

The game, which will be broadcasted by Sky Sports, had to be moved back due to the club's involvement in the Champions League.

Pep Guardiola's side face Real Madrid for a spot in the Champions League final following their 4-1 aggregate victory over Bayern Munich.

Topics: Manchester City, Football

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

@NasJabbar