Why are all FA Cup third round ties kicking off one minute late?

The FA Cup trophy is seen on display ahead of the 2019 final between Manchester CIty and Watford. Getty Images

For fans of English football, all eyes this weekend will be on the FA Cup third round - the stage at which the Premier League clubs begin their campaigns.

With 32 games taking place across Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, the most striking aspect of every fixture is the fact that each one is kicking off one minute later than usual.

Saturday's early games will start at 12.31pm GMT (4.31pm UAE), afternoon matches begin at 3.01pm GMT, and the evening fixtures get underway at 5.31pm GMT. It's the same story on Sunday when matches start at 2.01pm, 4.01pm, and 6.16pm (all GMT), while Monday's tie between Arsenal and Leeds United starts at 7.56pm (GMT). But why?

The delayed kick-offs are part of the Heads Up campaign and to encourage fans to "Take a Minute" to think about their mental health.

“While delaying kick-off times by 60 seconds is a simple idea, it provides a powerful platform for us and our Heads Up charity partners to deliver a really important message on mental health," FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said.

“We know that men in particular can be reluctant to talk about the subject, so it is important that we use football as a vehicle to stress the importance of mental fitness.”

The Heads Up campaign is spearheaded by the Duke of Cambridge and President of the FA Prince William and aims to harness the influence of football to encourage more people to talk about, take action for, and recognise mental health.

"It's fitting that the first big Heads Up campaign moment should be linked to the FA Cup third round - a signature moment in any football season," Godric Smith, chair of the Heads Up campaign, said.

“The FA Cup is a competition for everyone - for clubs big and small - and we want to use its power to help show that we all have mental health and that we can all take a minute to focus on how we can start to improve it.”

___________________________

Predictions for select FA Cup third round ties