EFL in turmoil over decision to scrap next season’s FA Cup replays – with surprised clubs calling it a ‘disgrace’ and furious bosses saying they will seek compensation
English football is in turmoil after the FA and Premier League reached a deal to scrap FA Cup replays.
The stunned EFL spoke of its “frustration and disappointment” after the bombshell, a historic decision was announced on Thursday morning while clubs branded it a “disgrace” and called for action.
EFL bosses say they only gave their approval because scrapping round one replays would be part of the financial rearrangement still pending with the top flight.
And furious bosses said they would now seek compensation following the changes – while clubs claimed they only found out after the FA’s statement.
The FA said the elimination, which comes with “up to £33 million in additional funding for grassroots football”, was driven by the expansion of UEFA competitions. From next season, Champions League clubs will adopt a “Swiss model” which will replace the traditional group stage and increase the number of matches. The tournament will increase from 32 to 36 clubs and will take the form of a ranking, with each team playing a minimum of eight matches.
English football is in turmoil as FA Cup first round replays are scrapped next season
Manchester City are FA Cup holders after beating Manchester United 2-1 last June
The FA added that the six-year deal, which comes into force next season, will ensure all rounds are played on weekends, including the fifth round, which has been held midweek for the past five years.
The fourth and fifth rounds will be exclusive to Premier League matches for the first time, while the FA Cup final will take place on the penultimate weekend of the top-flight season. Although no Premier League matches will take place on the Friday before or the Saturday of the final, they will be played the following day. Winter breaks will disappear, while players will benefit from guaranteed three weeks off in summer.
In what quickly turned into a seismic row, FA insiders spoke of being “mystified” by the EFL’s response, pointing out that the schedule was approved by the Professional Game Board, which includes the EFL Chairman Rick Parry, Officers Peter Ridsdale (Preston). , Steve Kavanagh (Millwall) and Jez Moxey (Burton).
“It’s up to the EFL to keep its clubs informed,” replied a source.
EFL insiders are adamant that the change was presented as a “fait accompli”, that they had no influence on the matter and that the EFL board was not consulted .
Darragh MacAnthony, owner of League One Peterborough, was one of many to lash out, urging fans other than those who support the “big dogs” to write to cup sponsors Emirates to urge them to to rethink and warn of an explosion of hostility.
He added: We are now at the stage where the big guys don’t even bother to inform us/discuss appropriate changes. I have no idea what the Premier League or the FA are thinking in making this decision as it has unfolded today. If it’s a sign of things to come, expect a complete fallout in English football soon, all caused by one faction of our game. It’s time to show some elements in how we react today to these events… Ignoring us at the bottom of the pyramid is not a sensible path forward.
In a bombshell statement, League Two Tranmere Rovers said they “condemn the shameful decision taken by the FA and the Premier League”. “There has been no consultation with Football League, National League or grassroots clubs for whom the competition represents not only their best opportunity to create unforgettable memories for supporters, but also a source “extremely significant revenue,” they added. “We also understand that members of the FA Council were not consulted on the changes.
“The decision and the manner in which it was taken demonstrates a complete lack of respect for the football pyramid and its supporters. Football belongs to all of us and decisions should not be made behind the scenes, where only the richest clubs are allowed to participate.
Not everyone in the EFL will likely react the same way. Salford City co-owner Gary Neville said last month they “need to get rid of them”.
Over the past 10 years, 1,080 draws have been played from the first to fourth rounds, with 228 replays (21 percent), including 135 in the first two rounds. Those defending the move would point out that a tiny proportion involves League One or League Two clubs playing Premier League teams in replays.
Making the announcement, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said the increased investment would “enhance” the FA Cup schedule, while reducing fixture congestion and increasing support for grassroots football .
The FA Cup final will take place on the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season.
Andy Holt posted on X (formerly Twitter) about his surprise and anger at Thursday’s unexpected news
Nicola Palios questioned why the Premier League made changes during the cup rounds that didn’t affect them
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “The Emirates FA Cup is our greatest asset and generates over 60 per cent of our revenue to invest in the game, so ensuring a strong format is essential 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 schedule.
“The new schedule ensures that the magic of the cup is protected and enhanced, while working for the whole English game. The longer summer period also allows players to enjoy a well-deserved break before the start of the season next.
“We have also agreed new funding for grassroots football, disability football and women’s and women’s football. All football starts at the grassroots, and this is recognized by the Premier League with much appreciated additional financial support.
The EFL spoke of anger and frustration, adding: “Our domestic calendar has been under extreme pressure due to the expansion of UEFA competitions and ultimately this represents another source of revenue lost tradition for EFL clubs, at a time when the financial gap between the biggest clubs and those lower down the pyramid is growing wider than ever. EFL and seek appropriate compensation arrangements.
