FA Cup Third Round: Replays, Extra Time, and Penalties Explained
Introduction
The FA Cup third round is underway, featuring some highly anticipated matches. However, there is still confusion among fans regarding the rules for determining the winner if the teams are tied after 90 minutes. This article aims to clarify whether replays, extra time, and penalties will be used in the FA Cup.
Replays in the FA Cup Third Round
FA Cup replays have been a significant part of English football’s most prestigious cup competition. However, there have been recent changes regarding their inclusion. In the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, all replays were scrapped due to fixture congestion. Nevertheless, for the 2022-23 campaign, replays have been reintroduced for the third and fourth rounds. It is important to note that there will be NO replays in the fifth round, meaning that all matches will be concluded on the night.
Extra Time and Penalties
If two teams cannot be separated after 90 minutes of play in their FA Cup tie, extra time and penalties will be used to determine the winner. There will be an additional 30 minutes of play during extra time. If the scores are still level at the end of extra time, a penalty shootout will take place to decide the winner.
With these rules in place, the FA Cup third round promises thrilling encounters and the potential for dramatic finishes.