FA Cup Format Overhaul: Scrapped Replays and Weekend Matches Spark Debate
FA Cup – In 2023, Manchester City clinched victory in the men’s FA Cup final, marking a memorable triumph in one of England’s most prestigious football competitions. However, changes are underway for future tournaments, as the Football Association (FA) announces significant alterations to the format starting from the 2024-25 season.
One notable change is the elimination of FA Cup replays from the first round onwards. This decision aims to streamline the competition and create more efficient scheduling, aligning with a new six-year agreement between the FA and the Premier League. Additionally, all rounds of the Emirates FA Cup will now be played exclusively on weekends, including the fifth round, which previously occurred during midweek fixtures for the past five seasons.
The Premier League, in conjunction with these changes, has opted to remove its mid-season break from the calendar. Instead, matches will commence in mid-August following a consecutive three-week summer break, a decision informed by expert advice from medical and technical departments.
The decision to scrap replays from the first round has drawn criticism from some quarters, notably EFL chief executive Trevor Birch, who expresses disappointment over the lost revenue stream for EFL clubs. The FA Cup qualifying rounds will still feature replays for ties that remain level after 90 minutes, preserving a tradition in the earlier stages of the competition.
Further discontent arises from stakeholders like Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder, who lament the erosion of tradition in favor of accommodating the preferences of larger clubs. Tranmere Rovers vice-chair Nicola Palios voices concerns over the Premier League’s influence on the FA Cup’s format, arguing that such decisions prioritize a minority of clubs at the expense of the broader football pyramid.
Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Maheta Molango emphasizes the need for a collective approach to managing the global fixture calendar, highlighting the importance of preserving domestic competitions for clubs at all levels. Fair Game chief executive Niall Couper echoes these sentiments, labeling the decision as short-sighted and detrimental to lower league clubs’ financial sustainability.
Amidst these debates, the FA asserts its commitment to strengthening the FA Cup, viewing the new agreement with the Premier League as a means to prioritize the tournament’s significance in an increasingly crowded football calendar.