In a significant overhaul of English football’s prestigious FA Cup, replays will be eliminated from the first round onwards starting from the next season, announced the Football Association (FA) on Thursday.
This decision, made in collaboration with the Premier League, marks a pivotal change aimed at streamlining the tournament’s schedule amidst evolving demands on the football calendar.
The FA had previously removed replays from the fifth round onwards, citing adjustments needed due to the expanded UEFA competitions.
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With the Champions League set to add an extra 64 matches next season, the FA deemed it imperative to relieve pressure on the domestic calendar by scrapping all FA Cup replays.
Under the new arrangement, all rounds of the FA Cup, including the traditionally midweek fifth round, will now take place exclusively on weekends.
This move aims to ensure greater accessibility and engagement with fans while alleviating fixture congestion.
The schedule adjustments also extend to the Premier League calendar. During weekends designated for the fourth and fifth rounds, as well as the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, no Premier League matches will be scheduled.
Moreover, the agreement entails the removal of the mid-season break from the calendar. Instead, the Premier League will commence the 2024/25 season in mid-August, allowing players a consecutive three-week break based on expert medical and technical advice.
FA Cup replays have historically provided financial benefits to lower-league clubs, offering additional broadcast payments and increased gate revenues.
However, the new agreement seeks to balance these considerations while prioritizing the tournament’s sustainability and competitiveness.
As part of the deal, the Premier League has committed to providing up to an additional £33 million ($41 million) for grassroots football, demonstrating a shared commitment to supporting the sport at all levels.
FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham emphasized the critical role of the FA Cup in generating revenue for investment in the game, highlighting the importance of securing a robust format for its future.
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters echoed this sentiment, underscoring the significance of enhancing the scheduling of the FA Cup, a cherished domestic competition with a rich heritage.
The agreement between the FA and the Premier League is set to secure up to £133 million per season in funding starting from the 2025/26 campaign, ensuring the continued strength and vitality of English football’s most storied tournament.
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