FA Cup: FA Responds to Outcry Over ‘Disgraceful’ Changes, Prompting Fury From Clubs
The Football Association has issued a statement in response to criticism over proposed changes to the FA Cup. The organization strongly refuted claims that lower league clubs were not properly consulted about potential revenue losses stemming from the removal of replays in all rounds.
The changes were made in response to concerns raised by the Premier League regarding the expansion of European competitions from next season. Despite the FA’s assurance that lower league clubs would still benefit financially from participating in the competition, the decision was met with mass criticism.
Mark Palios, former FA CEO and executive chair of League Two team Tranmere Rovers, described the move as “an absolute disgrace.” In their statement, the FA outlined the approval process for the 2024-25 professional game football calendar, including discussions with the Premier League and EFL over the course of a year.
The changes to the FA Cup, which include returning it to a weekend competition on every round and increasing the number of matches broadcast in the early rounds, are aimed at ensuring stronger competitions and providing additional guaranteed broadcast revenue for EFL and National League teams. The approval process for the new season’s calendar involved the Professional Game Board and the FA Board, which includes representatives from the Premier League, EFL, National Game, and grassroots football.
The FA stated that they will be sharing more details with clubs shortly to explain the additional revenue opportunities in the early rounds and that they will keep the situation under review to ensure that lower league clubs do not lose out. The FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley Stadium this weekend, featuring matches between Chelsea and Manchester City and Coventry City and Manchester United, are expected to keep the topic at the forefront of discussions.
