REPLAYS AXE LEAVES CLUBS & EFL FUMING
THE EFL and their clubs have hit out at the decision to scrap FA Cup replays from the first round onwards next season.
It was announced on Thursday the FA and Premier League had reached a new agreement – for a minimum of six years – which will ‘strengthen’ the Cup format.
The current arrangement, which has no replays from the fifth round onwards, has been extended throughout the ‘Competition Proper’ due to changes to the calendar driven by expanded UEFA competitions.
All rounds of the Cup will now be played on weekends, while the final will take place on a Saturday without Premier League fixtures.
In addition, the Premier League has agreed to increase funding to the football pyramid, providing up to an additional £33m for grassroots football on top of the £100m it currently gives to good causes each season. However, the new agreement drew criticism from the EFL and the clubs who won’t have the chance to earn a lucrative replay windfall in future.
EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said: “Whilst the league had previously been involved in discussions over the future of the calendar, these were predicated on the agreement of a new financial deal with the Premier League for EFL clubs which has not progressed.
“This is frustrating and disappointing given the calendar is a shared asset across football and, as we have consistently said, a whole game approach is required to find solutions to complex fixture scheduling challenges. Our domestic calendar has been put under extreme pressure by the expansion of UEFA competitions and ultimately this represents another lost traditional revenue stream for EFL clubs at a time when the financial gap between the biggest clubs and those further down the pyramid is growing bigger than ever. “We will now be discussing the implications for EFL clubs and seeking appropriate compensation arrangements.” Peterborough, AFC Wimbledon, Grimsby and Tranmere are among the clubs who have criticised the plans. However, the FA insisted they consulted fully with the EFL before making the changes and have attempted to stem the backlash.
In a statement on Friday, the governing body said: “We understand the concerns expressed over the last 24 hours, and we will be sharing more details with clubs very shortly to explain the additional revenue opportunities in the early rounds.
“We will keep this under review as the new calendar begins to ensure EFL and National League clubs do not lose out.”
The EFL then clarified their position over the “bi-lateral announcement”. “The EFL today calls on both the Premier League and the FA, as the governing body, to re-evaluate their approach to their footballing partnership with the EFL and engage more collaboratively on issues directly affecting our clubs,” it said.