Wimbledon not giving Cup a free kick

WIMBLEDON officials will not consider moving the men’s singles final to avoid a clash with the World Cup, while also refusing to show the football on a big screen at the All England Club.

But the club will not ban spectators live streaming the football on hand-held devices — even from inside centre court.

Wimbledon’s policy will be tested tomorrow when late men’s quarter-final matches could still be under way when England faces Croatia in Russia (4am AEST).

And it will be worse on Sunday, assuming England makes the final (Monday 1am AEST), when a clash between the two events is inevitable.

But Wimbledon chief Richard Lewis is unconcerned, claiming there was minimal disruption when England defeated Sweden on Saturday.

“What will happen next Sunday is centre court will be packed for the men’s singles final and I’m sure people will be able to follow the World Cup final,” Lewis said.

“It’s not unheard of for there to be a ripple of applause or a shout when something special happens in a football tournament, and I’m sure everybody will understand if it does.

“It didn’t happen on Satur- day particularly, it didn’t disturb people.

“I was out and about around the grounds and you could tell when England had scored and it was lovely, it was wonderful.

“We didn’t receive one single complaint from anyone who was here who felt their enjoyment of the tennis was interrupted and I’m sure it’ll be the same next Sunday.’’