Mariners hit out at lack of consultation on replay scrapping
‘SECOND’ FA CUP GAMES VITAL FOR LOWER LEAGUES
GRIMSBY Town, along with many other EFL and non-league clubs, have publicly criticised the scrapping of replays from the first round proper of the FA Cup from next season.
The FA Cup’s official press release stated it was an agreement between them and the Premier League to “strengthen” the format of the competition and “increase support for grassroots football” with added investment.
The announcement caused outrage online, with many EFL and non-league clubs confirming they were not consulted about the potential changes before they were agreed.
The Premier League are said to have campaigned for these changes to happen due to the expansion of European fixtures from next season. However, making changes that affect clubs all the way down the pyramid, who have always benefited from cup replays, particularly from a financial perspective, has led to the inevitable and understandable outrage from those not involved in the decision-making process.
FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham was quoted, as saying that the changes “ensure the magic of the Cup is protected and enhanced”, but many clubs who have experienced the magic through the original format would argue against that. The Mariners themselves benefited from replays existing during their historic quarterfinal run last season, taking
Luton Town to a replay in the fourth round after earning a 2-2 draw at Kenilworth Road, which then led to a memorable night at Blundell Park as Town defeated their Championship opponents in front of a sold-out home crowd.
Grimsby were one of the first clubs to publish a statement on social media on Thursday condemning the changes to the FA Cup format, calling for a review involving all the clubs involved in the competition. The club said: “Grimsby Town Football Club finds it absolutely disgraceful that such fundamental changes to the format of the FA Cup have been agreed without, it seems, any consultation outside of the English Premier League.
“The removal of early round replays, among other changes, without the voice of any club outside the EPL, shows scant regard for those clubs that make the English football pyramid the envy of most.
“A decision that could have substantial consequences for any lower-league club embarking on a cup run.
“We know only too well the importance of a ‘second chance’ having taken Luton Town to a replay, setting up that memorable tie against Southampton last season.
“This is yet another example of why the Independent Football Regulator, with the right powers, is so important to the game and cannot come soon enough. “The dreams of so many should not be denied by so few. “We call on The FA to pause any changes to the competition and undertake a fair consultation with all clubs that these changes can impact on.”