This weekend, all matches in the Championship, League One, and League Two will commence one minute later than usual to support the Every Minute Matters campaign.
The campaign will be observed during 36 matches across the three leagues from February 5 to February 9.
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Sky Bet, the EFL’s sponsor, has partnered with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) since May 2024 to emphasize the critical role of prompt CPR in saving lives.
The delayed kick-off times are intended to serve as “a stark reminder that every minute counts,” according to the EFL.
Among the ambassadors for this initiative are former England footballers Micah Richards, Jermain Defoe, and Glenn Hoddle.
Hoddle experienced a cardiac arrest in October 2018 after collapsing while working as a television pundit, receiving lifesaving CPR from a sound engineer.
The Every Minute Matters campaign was also showcased during the 2025 EFL play-offs, with all three Wembley finals starting one minute past the hour.
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‘What happened to me can happen to anyone’
The Every Minute Matters campaign was featured in the lead-up to all three 2025 EFL play-off finals [Getty Images]
Bristol Rovers defender Tom Lockyer, who suffered two collapses on the pitch while playing for Luton Town in 2023, is also a BHF ambassador.
Lockyer experienced a collapse during the Championship play-off final against Coventry and later underwent a cardiac arrest seven months later in a Premier League game against Bournemouth.
“What happened to me can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time,” Lockyer remarked.
“Every year, over 40,000 people in the UK experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and most do not survive.”
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“I am alive today because of the life-saving potential of CPR. Every minute counts in saving a life.
“This February, we encourage everyone to support this vital initiative, learn the necessary skills, and be prepared to act. Your response could provide someone with the same chance I received.”
Thanks to Daniel for the question.
This article is part of BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything series.
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