FA CUP REPLAYS AXED IN SHAKE-UP
SOME major alterations have been announced for the FA Cup.
In a deal worth £33m, FA Cup replays will be done away with from the first round onwards from next season on.
This decision is likely to disappoint lower league sides, for whom replays often bring in critical funds. However, certain amendments to the calendar have been made to introduce exclusive FA Cup weekends, a move that might not sit well with Premier League clubs.
The FA stated: “The FA and the Premier League have reached a new agreement which will strengthen the Emirates FA Cup format with new and exclusive calendar windows. The agreement, which is for a minimum of six years, starts next season.
“All rounds of the Emirates FA Cup will now be played on weekends, including the fifth round which has been played in midweek for the last five seasons.
“The fourth and fifth rounds and the quarter-finals all will be exclusive of Premier League fixtures for the first time and the fourth round will have an extended window from Friday to Wednesday to allow fans to watch consecutive days of Emirates FA Cup football.”
From next season, the FA Cup final will be held on the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season, with no games taking place around the final to ensure focus remains on the Wembley clash.
Additionally, the Premier League will increase funding to grassroots football to £133m per season – a £33m increase from the current amount – starting from the 2025/26 season.
The extra money will support various initiatives as the sport continues to grow.
The FA chief executive, Mark Bullingham, stated: “The Emirates FA Cup is our biggest asset and generates over 60 per cent of our revenue to invest into the game, so it is critical to secure a strong format for the future.
“This new agreement between the FA and the Premier League strengthens the Emirates FA Cup and gives this very special tournament exclusive weekends in an increasingly busy calendar.
“The new schedule ensures the magic of the cup is protected and enhanced, while working for the whole of the English game.”