FA Cup change that will impact Plymouth Argyle from next season

The FA Cup will no longer have replays from the first round proper onwards as part of a new agreement between The Football Association and the Premier League.

The agreement, which is for a minimum of six years, starts next season. All rounds of theFA 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.

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In a statement today, The FA said: "The current format, which has no replays from the fifth round onwards, has been extended throughout the ‘competition proper’ in light of changes to the calendar driven by the expanded UEFA competitions."

The change means that clubs will no longer have the chance of receiving an extra financial boost from earning a replay, both in terms of gate receipts but also potentially from TV coverage.

Plymouth Argyle forced a FA Cup fourth round replay this season when they drew 1-1 away to Leeds United in late January. The replay at Home Park was broadcast live on BBC One and the visitors won 4-1 after extra-time.

From next season, the FA Cup Final will take place on the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season, on an exclusive Saturday with no Premier League fixtures taking place on the same day.

Additionally, there will be no Premier League games on the Friday night before the Final, to allow focus on the build-up to the showpiece event.

Separately, the Premier League has increased funding to the football pyramid, providing up to an additional £33 million for grassroots football on top of the £100m it currently gives to good causes each season.

Mark Bullingham, The FA's chief executive, said: "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."

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