"Reason Behind the One-Minute Delay in This Weekend’s Triple EFL Play-Off Finals"
EFL Play-Off Finals Kick Off Late to Boost CPR Awareness
By Spencer Morgan | Updated: 11:15 BST, 23 May 2025
The Championship, League One, and League Two play-off finals at Wembley this weekend will kick off one minute later than usual as part of a vital campaign to promote lifesaving CPR training.
Key Details:
- Championship Final: Sheffield United vs. Sunderland – Saturday, 3:01 PM.
- League One Final: Charlton vs. Leyton Orient – Sunday, 1:01 PM.
- League Two Final: AFC Wimbledon vs. Walsall – Monday, 3:01 PM.
[IMG: Fans at Wembley holding banners supporting the "Every Minute Matters" campaign]
Why the Delay?
The symbolic time shift supports Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation (BHF)’s Every Minute Matters initiative, which aims to teach fans CPR—a technique critical during cardiac arrests. Since its 2023 launch, the campaign has surpassed its initial goal of training 270,000 people, now targeting 360,000 learners via BHF’s RevivR online tool.
Cardiac arrests claim tens of thousands annually in the UK, with less than 10% surviving outside hospitals. CPR, combining chest compressions and rescue breaths, can double or triple survival chances.
Tom Lockyer, Luton Town captain and BHF ambassador, stresses the campaign’s importance. He suffered a cardiac arrest during a 2023 match: “I’m lucky to be alive. This campaign saves lives, and the EFL community’s support has been incredible.”
[IMG: Tom Lockyer training with a CPR dummy alongside BHF volunteers]
A Unified Effort
The EFL has used its platform to spotlight cardiac health, with clubs hosting CPR workshops and fans sharing #EveryMinuteMatters on social media. The play-off finals’ shifted kick-offs ensure millions nationwide hear the message.
Dr. Charmaine Griffiths, BHF CEO, praises the initiative: “Every minute without CPR reduces survival odds. This partnership empowers more people to act confidently in emergencies.”
[IMG: Fans practicing CPR techniques at a stadium workshop]
The Bigger Picture
The delayed starts are a small gesture with a profound goal. As Lockyer notes: “The finals remind us that a single minute—and a single person—can change a life.”
For CPR training, visit the British Heart Foundation’s RevivR tool at bhf.org.uk.
LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! podcast debates Oliver Glasner’s future at Crystal Palace.
[IMG: Wembley Stadium illuminated in red for cardiac awareness]
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