The Football Association has defended its decision to withdraw FA Cup replays from 2024-25 and insists “all parties agreed” it cannot proceed.
On Thursday, it was announced that the competition can be played only on weekends, and there can be no replays from the primary round.
The EFL says the brand new format has been “agreed solely between the Premier League and the FA”.
However, the FA says discussions have been occurring “for over a year”.
“The removal of Emirates FA Cup replays was discussed in early meetings and all parties agreed they could not continue.”
“Discussions then focused on how to strengthen all of our tournaments, despite fewer dates available and the desire to maintain player welfare.”
The EFL called on the FA to “reassess its approach”, stating that “no agreement” or “formal consultation” had been reached before the deal was announced.
They also claim that clubs are being “marginalized in favor of others higher up the pyramid.”
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said it was “very sad for British football culture” but added the result was “inevitable”.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s deputy spokesman said: “The David and Goliath encounters are part of the magic of the cup and we know that replays have been a welcome source of income for smaller clubs over the years.”
However, Downing Street said the ultimate decision rested with the football authorities.
Meanwhile, Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer said it was a “bad decision” because replays “will be part of the FA Cup tradition”.
Many clubs within the EFL and lower levels of the football pyramid have criticized the FA within the last 24 hours, saying it’s taking away a conventional source of income.
League One side Exeter and their supporters’ trust said they “condemn” the decision and called on the FA to “suspend these changes with immediate effect pending consultation with all interested parties.”
“As the oldest professional football club in the world and a former FA Cup winner, we see with great sadness that English football is losing part of its soul,” League Two club Notts County said in an announcement.
League Two teammate Barrow said it was “simply unacceptable”, while Tranmere said the FA and Premier League had shown “total lack of respect.”
However, the FA says next season’s calendar has been approved by the Professional Game Board, which incorporates 4 EFL and 4 Premier League representatives.
“We have also increased the number of Emirates FA Cup matches that will be broadcast in the first rounds, providing EFL and National League teams with additional guaranteed broadcast revenue. In addition, we review competition prize money every year with EFL and PL representatives and will do the same for the 2024-25 season,” the FA said.
In response, the EFL said: “During discussions, EFL representatives disputed this position and were told that clubs would be comfortable without replays.
“They were effectively told that, as it was an FA competition, the fixtures had to be agreed as presented. It is also important to note that this issue has not been discussed by the FA Cup committee, the separate group that oversees the competition at professional and national level.”
Coventry manager Mark Robins, speaking ahead of his Championship side’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Manchester United on Sunday, admitted it was a “kick within the teeth”.
“It’s difficult because the way you look at it, these clubs, the grassroots, the EFL and below, are part of a pyramid that has to feed off each other and ultimately feeds into the Premier League,” Robins said.
“There are other things that could have happened, such as replays until the third round, which doesn’t affect the bigger clubs.”
Credit : www.bbc.co.uk
