FA refuse to back down on Cup replay decision despite widespread backlash as governing body release statement explaining need for reform

The FA's move signals a significant shift in the format of the historic tournament, with all rounds set to be played on weekends starting from the 2024-25 season, and replays abolished altogether. While the decision to scrap replays has sparked controversy, particularly among fans and clubs in the lower echelons of English football, the FA maintains that the move was necessary to ensure the sustainability of the tournament. The CEO of the advocacy group Fair Game criticised the FA's decision, describing it as "another nail in the coffin" for the already crumbling football pyramid.

Nonetheless, the governing body remains resolute in its new decision. They clarified that discussions regarding the calendar for the 2024-25 season had been ongoing for over a year, with representatives from the Premier League and the English Football League (EFL) actively involved in the process. The decision to eliminate FA Cup replays was reportedly a topic of early deliberation, with consensus reached among all parties that replays were no longer viable.

A fresh statement put out by FA read: "We have listened to the concerns expressed over the last 24 hours, and would like to outline the approval process which was undertaken for the 2024-25 professional game football calendar. We have been discussing the calendar for the 2024-25 season with the Premier League and EFL 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. 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 changes to the Emirates FA Cup achieve this by returning it to a weekend competition on every round, and ensuring that we have exclusive broadcast slots in an increasingly congested calendar."

The FA emphasised its commitment to supporting clubs in the lower divisions by exploring alternative revenue streams.

The statement further read: "To clarify, 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 Premier League and will do the same for the 2024-25 season.

"The calendar for next season was approved last month by the Professional Game Board, which consists of four EFL representatives and four Premier League representatives and then by the FA Board, which includes Premier League, EFL, National Game and grassroots representation. This is the process we undergo every year to approve the calendar. We understand the concerns expressed over the last 24 hours, and we will be sharing more details with clubs very shortly to explain the additional revenue opportunities in the early rounds. We will keep this under review as the new calendar begins to ensure that EFL and National League clubs do not lose out."

As the FA Cup evolves to meet the demands of modern football, the governing body remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving the essence of one of the sport's most cherished competitions. The tournament continues to captivate football fans worldwide and this season's semifinals are set to showcase thrilling encounters involving top English sides. Holders Manchester City will face Chelsea, while Coventry City will take on Manchester United, promising an exciting weekend of football action.