Pompey and Hawks condemn plans to scrap FA Cup replays
The decision to scrap FA Cup replays is further evidence of the EFL and its clubs being “marginalised”, the league has said.
The FA announced on Thursday it had reached an agreement with the Premier League on the future format and funding of the competition, which would include all replays from the first round being abolished.
A number of EFL clubs have criticised the changes and insisted they were not consulted, with the FA saying it would share details with them about how any shortfall in lost replay revenue may be made up.
However, the EFL said this was just the most recent example of how the league and its clubs were being sidelined, with Premier League clubs having also decided to halt discussions over a new financial settlement with the EFL.
“This latest agreement is just a further example of how the EFL and its clubs are being marginalised in favour of others further up the pyramid and that only serves to threaten the future of the English game,” the EFL’S statement on Friday said.
A Portsmouth FC statement said the club “were surprised and dismayed to learn of
The FA’S decision to scrap replays in the FA Cup.
“Like other clubs in the EFL, we were given no prior notice or explanation and are deeply concerned on the impact of this decision on the greatest domestic cup competition in the world, which was proudly won by Pompey in 1939 and 2008.
“Replays are part of the fabric of the FA Cup and inject muchneeded revenue throughout the entire football pyramid.
“We firmly stand with other clubs and supporters across the country in demanding that this decision is urgently reviewed and reconsidered.”
Hawks famously defeated Swansea in a third round replay at Westleigh Park in 2008 to book themselves a dream tie to Anfield.
A Hawks statement said: “With the new rule change, this would not have been possible. We would not have had to opportunity to host Swansea in front of over 6,000 supporters. “Changing the key structure for the competition is not required and has been done with only a few in mind.”
2 Pompey FA Cup wins, in 1939 and 2008
1st No FA Cup 1st rd replays as from next season