FA issues fresh statement after move to scrap FA Cup replays as controversial decision explained

FA Cup trophy
New changes to the FA Cup were announced on Thursday -Credit:Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images


The Football Association has issued a fresh statement following the backlash over the controversial Premier League agreement and the scrapping of FA Cup replays, assuring that concerned clubs will not be disadvantaged.

On Friday, the FA acknowledged the worries of EFL clubs, stating it "understands the concerns" and is set to reveal plans for generating new revenue after announcing significant changes to the competition.

The move to eliminate replays from the first round onwards was disclosed by the FA on Thursday, sparking widespread disapproval from the EFL and its member clubs due to an apparent lack of prior discussion. In response, the FA has attempted to address some of the issues raised by the clubs.

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"We have listened to the concerns expressed over the last 24 hours, and would like to outline the approval process which was undertaken for the 2024-25 professional game football calendar," the FA's statement began. "We have been discussing the calendar for the 2024-25 season with the Premier League and EFL for well over a year.

"Removing Emirates FA Cup replays was discussed in the early meetings and all parties accepted that they could not continue. The discussions then focused on how to make all of our competitions stronger, despite having fewer dates available and wanting to maintain player welfare.

"The changes to the Emirates FA Cup achieve this by returning it to a weekend competition on every round, and ensuring that we have exclusive broadcast slots in an increasingly congested calendar," reports football.london.

"To clarify, we have also increased the number of Emirates FA Cup matches that will be broadcast in the early rounds, which will lead to additional guaranteed broadcast revenue for EFL and National League teams. Additionally, we review the prize money annually for the competition, together with representatives from the EFL and PL and will do the same for the 2024-25 season.

"The calendar for next season was approved by the Professional Game Board, which consists of four EFL representatives and four Premier League representatives, last month, and then by the FA Board, which includes Premier League, EFL, National Game and grassroots representation. This is the process we undergo every year to approve the calendar.

"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 that EFL and National League clubs do not lose out."

The move to scrap replays is largely driven by the need to reduce calendar congestion, especially with UEFA's expanded club competitions starting next season.

The FA and the Premier League announced the agreement that will see changes to the Emirates FA Cup format, including exclusive calendar windows for the tournament.

Starting from next season, all rounds of the Emirates FA Cup will be played on weekends, with the fifth round moving from midweek to the weekend.

For the first time, the fourth and fifth rounds and the quarter-finals will not clash with Premier League fixtures. The fourth round will also have an extended window from Friday to Wednesday, allowing fans to enjoy consecutive days of FA Cup football.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham 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."

He added: "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. The longer summer period also allows a much-needed player break before the start of the next season."

"We have also agreed new funding for the grassroots game, disability football and the women's and girls' game. All football begins at the grassroots, and this is recognised by the Premier League with very welcome additional financial support."