FA Cup Final No Longer After Premier League Campaign: Huge Changes Announced
The Football Association (FA) has announced significant changes to the structure of the FA Cup, with the removal of replays from the first round proper starting from the upcoming season. This decision, made in collaboration with the Premier League, aims to elevate the competition and will include scheduling adjustments for specific rounds. Key among these is the commitment to holding all matches on weekends, except for the fourth round, which will run from Friday to Wednesday.
Additionally, the fourth, fifth, and quarter-final stages will be scheduled separately from Premier League fixtures, with the FA Cup final to be held on the Saturday of the penultimate weekend of the Premier League, ensuring no top-flight games are scheduled on the same day. The schedule changes will also lead to the elimination of the mid-season break observed in recent Premier League seasons, with a longer summer break following the European Championship in Germany being introduced instead. As part of the new agreement, FA Cup replays will be removed, with matches from the third round onwards proceeding directly to a penalty shootout in the event of a draw after extra time.
The aim is to create more space in the calendar for additional Premier League and European matches. Moreover, the Premier League has pledged to increase its funding to grassroots football by £33 million per season, raising the overall investment to £133 million per year, supporting player and coach development across all levels of the game. FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham emphasized the importance of securing a strong format for the Emirates FA Cup, and highlighted that this new agreement will protect and enhance the magic of the tournament while benefiting the entire English game.
Richard Masters, Premier League Chief Executive, expressed pride in the increased support for grassroots football and emphasized the positive impact the new agreement will have on communities and lower league clubs across the country through the Football Foundation and Premier League Stadium Fund. The new agreement is set to take effect from the beginning of the 2024-25 season, with the aim of improving facilities and support for grassroots and lower league clubs nationwide. Both the FA and the Premier League have emphasized their commitment to enhancing the scheduling and value of the Emirates FA Cup as an important domestic competition with a rich history.
