FA Cup Replays Scrapped: FA Defends Decision Amid Backlash
The Football Association (FA) has faced criticism after announcing that FA Cup replays will be scrapped from the 2024-25 season onwards. The decision, which was made in collaboration with the Premier League, has raised concerns among lower-league clubs who rely on the revenue generated by replays. However, the FA has defended its move, stating that all parties involved accepted that replays could not continue.
According to the FA, discussions about removing FA Cup replays have been ongoing for over a year. The focus of these discussions was to find ways to strengthen all competitions while accommodating fewer available dates and prioritizing player welfare. The EFL, on the other hand, claims that there was no agreement prior to the announcement and no formal consultation took place. They argue that smaller clubs are being marginalized in favor of those higher up the football pyramid.
The decision to scrap replays has also received backlash from prominent figures in the footballing world. Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expressed his sadness at the impact this would have on British football culture, although he acknowledged that it was an inevitable outcome. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta emphasized the need to protect players’ health, citing the lack of breaks they have had in recent seasons and calling for a reduction in the calendar.
The debate surrounding this decision has even reached the political sphere. While Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s deputy spokesperson acknowledged the importance of David and Goliath fixtures and the financial benefits replays bring to smaller clubs, Downing Street stated that the final decision lies with the footballing authorities. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer criticized the move, arguing that replays are part of the FA Cup tradition.
Many EFL clubs and those lower down the football pyramid have condemned the decision, claiming that it takes away a traditional revenue stream. Exeter City and their supporters’ trust called on the FA to suspend the changes until a consultation with all stakeholders has taken place. Notts County, the world’s oldest professional football club, expressed their sadness at the loss of a part of English football’s soul. Other clubs, such as Barrow and Tranmere, deemed the decision simply unacceptable and disrespectful.
In response to the backlash, the FA highlighted that the calendar for the upcoming season was approved by the Professional Game Board, which includes representatives from both the EFL and Premier League. They also emphasized that an increased number of Emirates FA Cup matches will be broadcast in the early rounds, leading to additional guaranteed broadcast revenue for EFL and National League teams. The prize money for the competition will also be reviewed annually in collaboration with representatives from the EFL and Premier League.
Despite these explanations, the EFL expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that their representatives had challenged the position but were told that clubs would be comfortable with no replays. They also highlighted that the matter was not discussed by the FA Cup committee, which oversees the competition across professional and national football.
Coventry manager Mark Robins, whose team is set to face Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-finals, described the decision as a “kick in the teeth.” He argued that alternatives could have been considered, such as allowing replays until the third round, which would have had minimal impact on bigger clubs.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the FA will reconsider its decision or if lower-league clubs will find alternative ways to offset the loss of revenue caused by the absence of FA Cup replays.