FA Cup replays scrapped: The Football Association says ‘all parties accepted’ decision

The Football Association has defended its decision to scrap FA Cup replays from 2024-25 and insists “all parties accepted” they could not continue.

The EFL says the new format was “agreed solely between the Premier League and FA”.

But the FA says discussions have been going on for “well over a year”.

“Removing Emirates FA Cup replays was discussed in the early meetings and all parties accepted that they could not continue,” said a statement from the FA.

“The discussions then focused on how to make all of our competitions stronger, despite having fewer dates available and wanting to maintain player welfare.”

The EFL has urged the FA to “re-evaluate their approach”, stating there was “no agreement” prior to the deal being announced and no “formal consultation”.

They also say clubs are being “marginalised in favour of others further up the pyramid”.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s deputy spokesperson said: “David and Goliath fixtures are a part of the magic of the cup and we know that replays have been a welcome source of income for smaller clubs throughout the years.”

But Downing Street said it is ultimately a decision for the footballing authorities.

Meanwhile, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said it is the “wrong decision” with replays “part of the tradition of the FA Cup”.

Many clubs from the EFL and lower down the football pyramid have criticised the FA over the past 24 hours, claiming that it takes away a traditional revenue stream.

League One side Exeter and their supporters’ trust said they “condemn” the decision and have called on the FA to “suspend these changes with immediate effect until a consultation of all stakeholders has taken place”.

“As the world’s oldest professional football club, and past winners of the FA Cup, we’re very sad to see that English football is set to lose a part of its soul,” League Two club Notts County said in a statement.

Fellow League Two club Barrow said it is “simply unacceptable”, while Tranmere said the FA and the Premier League have shown “a total lack of respect.”

However, the FA says the calendar for next season was approved by the Professional Game Board, which consists of four representatives from the EFL and four representatives from the Premier League.

“We have also increased the number of Emirates FA Cup matches that will be broadcast in the early rounds, which will lead to additional guaranteed broadcast revenue for EFL and National League teams. Additionally, we review the prize money annually for the competition, together with representatives from the EFL and PL and will do the same for the 2024-25 season,” The FA said.

In response, the EFL said: “As part of the discussions, the EFL representatives did challenge the position and were told that clubs would be comfortable with no replays.

“They were effectively advised that, as a result, of it being an FA competition, the fixture list needed to be agreed as presented. It is also important to note that this matter was not discussed by the FA Cup committee, a separate group that oversees the competition across the professional and national game.”

Coventry manager Mark Robins, speaking before his Championship side face Manchester United in the semi-finals of the FA Cup on Sunday, admitted it was a “kick in the teeth”.

“It’s difficult because you look at it and those clubs, the grassroots, the EFL and below are all part of the pyramid which needs to feed each other – and eventually feeds the Premier League,” Robins said.

“There are other things which could have happened like replays up until the third round, which doesn’t impact on the bigger clubs.”

Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said it is “very sad for the British football culture” but added the outcome was “inevitable”.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said his responsibility is to “protect our players”.

“In the last two seasons, they have played with no breaks,” Arteta said. “How they will have to play in the next two years, it’s not healthy. Somewhere, and I’m not saying there [FA Cup] we have to reduce the calendar.”

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola agreed the changes are a “problem” for lower-division clubs, but said it was “much better” for teams playing in European competitions.

“I understand why clubs in lower divisions complain and it has been a tradition for many years, but with the schedule that we have playing in European competition and with many players going to the national team, it is much better,” Guardiola said.