Why Are Playoff Finals Kicking Off One Minute Late?

The Football League playoffs are an exciting time of year for football fans across the country. With promotion hanging in the balance for a host of clubs its unique format in the United Kingdom draws millions of eyes every year.

However, this year it’s not just the fixtures themselves that have been making headlines, as a slight change has been to kick-off times heading into the playoffs.

The Reason Behind The Change?

Playoff matches in England are kicking off one minute late as part of the ‘Every Minute Matters’ campaign. The initiative is a collaboration between the British Heart Foundation and Sky Bet with the aim to spread awareness about the importance of learning CPR and inspire individuals to equip themselves with knowledge and skills that can save lives.

The Championship final clash between Sheffield United vs Sunderland and AFC Wimbledon vs Walsall in League Two both kicked off at 15:01, while Charlton Athletic's meeting with Leyton Orient in League One started at 13:01.

❤️ 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗧𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦 ❤️

The Sky Bet EFL Play-Off Finals will kick off one minute later than scheduled ⏳

This is to highlight the inspiring message that when it comes to performing lifesaving CPR Every Minute Matters. 🫶 #EveryMinuteMatters #EFLPlayOffs

— Sky Bet (@SkyBet) May 19, 2025

The one minute delay symbolises the critical value of each minute during cardiac emergencies.

The campaign has been introduced two years after former Luton Town captain, Tom Lockyer collapsed at Wembley against Coventry City in the Championship playoff final.

Lockyer suffered from atrial fibrillation, which is when a persons heart rate becomes irregular and often abnormally fast.

Lockyer would return to professional football after being the all clear following surgery but would suffer a second cardiac arrest months later against Bournemouth.