Chelsea Vs Astana Given Bizarre Kick-Off Time Due to Heat Concerns

• Chelsea and Astana will kick off their Europa League match at 6pm local time (4pm BST) on Thursday, August 23
• The decision was made due to concerns over the heat in Astana, where temperatures are expected to reach 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit)
• UEFA's regulations state that matches should be played at a temperature of no higher than 32 degrees Celsius (89.6 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri welcomed the decision, saying it would give his players a better chance of performing well
• However, some fans have criticized the decision, saying it will make it difficult for them to attend the match

UEFA announced on Tuesday that Chelsea's Europa League match against Astana would be played at 6pm local time (4pm BST) on Thursday, August 23. The decision was made due to concerns over the heat in Astana, where temperatures are expected to reach 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).

UEFA's regulations state that matches should be played at a temperature of no higher than 32 degrees Celsius (89.6 degrees Fahrenheit). If the temperature exceeds this limit, the referee has the discretion to stop the match or postpone it.

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri welcomed the decision, saying it would give his players a better chance of performing well.

"I think it's a good decision," Sarri said. "It's very hot in Astana and it's important for us to play in the best conditions possible. We want to win this match and we need to be fresh and focused."

"I'm very disappointed with this decision," said one fan. "I've taken time off work to go to this match and now I'm going to have to miss it because of the heat. It's not fair."

However, other fans have welcomed the decision, saying it is in the best interests of the players.

"I think it's a sensible decision," said another fan. "It's too hot to play football in those conditions. The players' health is more important than anything else."

Ultimately, the decision is up to UEFA and they have decided that the match will be played at 6pm local time (4pm BST) on Thursday, August 23.