FA Cup scrapping replays as radical overhaul to competition officially confirmed – The Mirror
The Football Association have officially announced a number of significant changes to the FA Cup which will come into effect at the start of the 2024/25 season
The Football Association have announced the FA Cup will scrap replays entirely from the first round proper – starting from next season.
There had been an expectation that starting from the 2024/25 campaign, ties would be settled without replays, but only from the third round. But it has now been revealed that will be in place once qualifying rounds have come to a conclusion.
The removal of replays is one of several steps that the FA and Premier League have agreed upon to strengthen the competition. The new format will come into place for a minimum of six seasons and will also ensure all matches are played on weekends, with the exception of the fourth round which has been given a window of Friday to Wednesday.
The fourth, fifth and quarter-final stage will all take place in exclusive periods without Premier League football. It has also been confirmed that the FA Cup final will be played on the Saturday of the penultimate weekend of the Premier League, with no top-flight games taking place on the same day.
The scheduling changes have also put an end to the mid-season break which has been utilised in the Premier League in recent seasons, instead introducing a longer summer break following the European Championship in Germany.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: "The Emirates FA Cup is our biggest asset and generates over 60 per cent of our revenue to invest into the game, so it is critical to secure a strong format 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 calendar.
"The new schedule ensures the magic of the Cup is protected and enhanced, while working for the whole of the English game. The longer summer period also allows a much-needed player break before the start of the next season.
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"We have also agreed new funding for the grassroots game, disability football and the women’s and girls’ game. All football begins at the grassroots, and this is recognised by the Premier League with very welcome additional financial support."
As part of the announcement, it has also been confirmed that the Premier League will increase its funding to the football pyramid – proving an additional £33million to grassroots football, on top of the £100m already given to good causes per season.
Premier League chief executive, Richard Masters, added: "The Premier League is proud of the investment it provides to all levels of the game and this new agreement with the FA will see us enhance our support into grassroots football.
"This will improve facilities for communities and lower league clubs across the country, through the Football Foundation and Premier League Stadium Fund.
"Throughout our discussions, both parties have been committed to enhancing the scheduling of the Emirates FA Cup, a hugely important domestic competition with a storied history.
" The FA and the Premier League have worked in partnership to deliver more exclusive weekends without compromising the excitement of knockout football and this has been achieved at the same time as allowing us to ease fixture congestion generally."
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