Cardiff v Walsall is the only early fixture in Division 1 and Whalley says that Walsall had little say in the matter.
"We were not consulted. It was simply an instruction that came through," Whalley told the Birmingham Evening Mail.
"This was insisted upon by South Wales Police and I cannot imagine why it was necessary.
"This is the same police force that has to cope with rugby and soccer internationals as well as three playoffs finals in three days.
"So why should the presence of a few hundred Walsall supporters require the match to be brought forward by three hours?
"Quite frankly it beggars belief."
Walsall will now travel down on Christmas Day evening and the paper reports that Cardiff City will have to pick up the hotel costs for the Walsall contingent.