The FA Cup is the oldest cup competition in the world. It was established in 1871. It well-known for being a giant killings competition. This means that it has a high reputation of lower league clubs beating and hence knocking out bigger teams. Starting from next season, no replays will be contested from the first round. This has caused an issue for lower league clubs from a financial perspective.
The FA & Premier League have agreed upon on a new format. This is due to, "...Changes to the calender, due to expanded UEFA competitions." FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said the changes, including all rounds being played exclusively on weekends without Premier League fixtures and the final on the season's penultimate weekend, would ensure the 'Magic of the Cup' was "protected and enhanced".
The key changes include: Replays being done away with; all rounds will be played on weekends; the final will take place on the penultimate Saturday of the Premier League season and the Premier League will increase funding to lower leagues to £133 million per season.
As a result of these changes, The 2025 FA Cup final will be played on the Saturday of the weekend of the Premier League’s matchday 37 — the penultimate round of fixtures — with league fixtures not played on the Friday night or Saturday to give exclusivity to the event. The Football Association confirmed the changes on Thursday. Additionally, there will be no further midweek rounds in the competition.
Fair Game CEO, Naill Couper, said, "Scrapping FA Cup replays from the first round proper deprives lower league clubs of a much-needed source of revenue. This is a short-sighted move that does nothing to strengthen the game. It is another nail in the coffin for the already crumbling football pyramid."
An FA statement said that the Professional Game Board, which consists of four EFL representitives - including its chairman, Rick Parry had agreed to it. However, the EFL has somewhat refuted this decision. They have said that the ditching of replays was, "frustrating and disappointing" and has also indicated that it was not involved in the final decision.
The Football Supporters' Association has relayed the "serious concerns" in regard to the fans to the FA. Last summer, a poll showed that 69.5% of fans believed that replays were essential for the competition. In a twist, a Whaatsapp poll showed that 70% were in favour of removing replays.
Various lower league clubs have had their say on the matter. Tranmere Rovers vice-chair, Nicola Palios, slammed the decision. She posted on X: "Seven hundred and twenty nine teams compete in the FA Cup. Why is its format being dictated by the Premier League who represent circa three per cent of them? Why were EFL clubs not given a say? Why is the EPL even dictating whether replays are allowed in rounds they don't participate in? Protest is needed!"
Hereford reiterated how famous their giant-killing of Newcastle and said that that wouldn't be possible now due to the new format. They said, "Our city was catapulted onto the football map thanks to the exploits of Colin Addison's Southern League Hereford United team in the 1970s, and his side's FA Cup third-round replay win over First Division Newcastle United in February 1972 remains one of the greatest upsets in the competition's history. No one will ever forget the late, great Ronnie Radford."
Exeter and their supporter's 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". Notts County said, "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."
Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, said in response to the change, "It is "very sad for the British football culture" but added the outcome was "inevitable". Man City manager, Pep Guardiola, agreed the changes are a "problem" for lower-division clubs but said it was "much better" for teams playing in European competitions. He also said, "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."
The FA has defended the decison by stating, "all parties accepted" that replays couldn't continue any longer. The EFL has urged the FA to reconsider its approach. They claim that there wasn't an agreement in place and that there weren't any "formal consultations." They also state that clubs are being "marginalised in favour of others further up the pyramid."
This issue is so big that it has reached the government. 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." Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer said that it was the "wrong decision" with replays "part of the tradition of the FA Cup". However, Downing Street admitted that the decision was up to the football authorities.
Coming from experience (viewing wise), I don't really have a thought on replays. If Man Utd were to have played a replay, I would just shrug it off and think to myself that it's just one more match to play. I didn't mind the replays. When I saw that replays would be scrapped, I was surprised. However, seeing just how much replays made profits for lower ranked clubs, I would have to side with lower ranked sides.
Despite the Premier League increasing the funding to lower league clubs, I don't believe that it's really fair. There are some clubs that are under severe financial pressure and the FA Cup could be seen as a cash cow for them. Scrapping replays just because of another competition(s) is ridiculous. Prioritising one competion over another isn't an excuse. Status quo can be golden in certain situations. In terms of English football, status quo is essential.
Source Material
Millar, C. 2024. FfefdewA Cup replays scrapped, final to be played on penultimate weekend of season. The Athletic.
No author. 2024. FA Cup replays: EFL and non-League clubs hit out at controversial new format. Sky Sports.
No author. 2024. FA Cup replays scrapped: The Football Association says 'all parties accepted' decision. BBC Sport.
Reteurs. 2024. FA Cup replays to be scrapped from 2024-25 season. ESPN.