FA Cup Replays Scrapped from 2024/25

[Stan]

And all rounds to go back to the weekends.

Quote

 

All rounds of the Emirates FA Cup will also be played on weekends, including the fifth round which has been played in midweek for the last five seasons.

The changes come as part of a new six-year agreement between the Football Association (FA) and the Premier League.

Both say that it will "strengthen" the FA Cup format.

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68844583

[Pyfish+]

Ridiculous decision made with only the 'elite' clubs in mind who moan about having to play the extra games when they can't get the job done in the first legs. Replays in the FA Cup have provided lower league teams with chances to go to stadiums they wouldn't usually get to see their teams play at, they've provided lower league teams with chances to go on magic cup runs, and they've brought in revenue for the lower league teams that helps them stay afloat in some cases.

Why were the Premier League consulted but not the EFL? 

[Lucas]

They have massively dropped the ball there haven't they.

What makes me laugh is, how are the Premier League dictating that replays can't be played in the first two rounds which PL clubs don't even participate in?

You're talking about 20 clubs in the PL,(and realistically, you can probably narrow that down to 6-8 clubs), who have managed to get this change enforced at the spite of over 700 over clubs that are allowed to particpate in the competition. Madness.

The fact that the EFL were not even consulted also is shocking.

The only solution to me now would be drastic action. In a show of solidarity lower league clubs should withdraw from participating and throw it into absolute chaos.

[Stan]

I expect several other EFL clubs, and non-league, will follow and make similar statements. 

 

 

[Rucksackfranzose]

5 hours ago, Pyfish said:

Ridiculous decision made with only the 'elite' clubs in mind who moan about having to play the extra games when they can't get the job done in the first legs. Replays in the FA Cup have provided lower league teams with chances to go to stadiums they wouldn't usually get to see their teams play at, they've provided lower league teams with chances to go on magic cup runs, and they've brought in revenue for the lower league teams that helps them stay afloat in some cases.

Why were the Premier League consulted but not the EFL? 

Not necessarly, since replays might have provided the lower league teams with the opportunity to play in a bigger stadium- the penalties provide them with a better chance to go through than the replays, though. Wouldn't bet on the lower tier teams always preferring the former over the latter.

Edit: Not consulting EFL is disrespctful, nonedtheless.

Edited April 18 by Rucksackfranzose

[Stan]

Just now, Rucksackfranzose said:

Not necessarly, since replays might have provided the lower league teams with the opportunity to play in a bigger stadium- the penalties provide rthem with a better chance to go through than the replays though. Wouldn't bet on the lower tier teams always preferring the former over the latter.

But the extra income from a replay is such a big thing for lower-league clubs. The biggest point here is what @Lucas mentions too, why are PL clubs getting to orchestrate what goes on in rounds they're not even involved in.

It just smacks of more shady deals that the PL are willingly and knowingly involving themselves in because they have the clout and financial means to do so. But it's at the neglect of clubs that it actually impact more in a negative sense. 

[Rucksackfranzose]

10 minutes ago, Stan said:

But the extra income from a replay is such a big thing for lower-league clubs. The biggest point here is what @Lucas mentions too, why are PL clubs getting to orchestrate what goes on in rounds they're not even involved in.

It just smacks of more shady deals that the PL are willingly and knowingly involving themselves in because they have the clout and financial means to do so. But it's at the neglect of clubs that it actually impact more in a negative sense. 

Isn't reaching the next round of FA cup more lucrative than the than the extras entrance income in England? Genuine question because Germany got rid of the replays because that was the case., me being not imaginative enough to envisible significant extra income from entrance for a club from Midsussex Football League, if they have a replay at the Ettihad aside.

Already agreed not consulting EFL was disrespectful.

Edited April 18 by Rucksackfranzose

[Stan]

17 minutes ago, Rucksackfranzose said:

Isn't reaching the next round of FA cup more lucrative than the than the extras entrance income in England

It probably is, yes. But this is the oldest cup competition in the world being totally devalued. One of the highlights is non-league clubs potentially hosting big giant clubs, or at least the chance to. 

We all know the motive here - protect the wants and needs of a small percentage of bigger clubs and ignore that of the majority of other clubs that are involved. Managers like Klopp, Pep, Arteta constantly moaning about fixture congestion has influenced this. 

 

I think a suitable compromise would be to do it like they do in France - if a team is drawn at home to a side 2 (or more) divisions below them, then the tie is automatically switched to a home tie for the lower league club. It keeps the 'romance' of the cup alive and it's what fans enjoy a lot about the competition. 

 

[RandoEFC+]

The Premier League, the FA and English football at large are a disgrace.

Let's just be honest here. A small handful of Premier League clubs have been gagging for this for years. They cry about "fixture congestion" despite having the biggest squads, the biggest budgets, and the best medical and sports science technology ever to aid in players recovering between fixtures. No problem playing two legged ties in Europe or introducing extra European tournaments or bigger group stages, but we don't want to have to play a return fixture if we're unable to beat a League One side at the first attempt whose squad costs 1% of the "second string" we've put out in that fixture.

All the while, clubs throughout the pyramid facing the threat of administration, points deductions for financial problems, could have their running costs paid for 2 years if they could earn a replay at Anfield or the Emirates and get 50% of the gate money that those grounds pull in on one matchday.

English football has been trending this way for a long time but there's been a clear acceleration since the botched Super League breakaway. The threat of losing their biggest cash cows has seen the FA and Premier League cave once again to the whims of a minority of clubs.

The FA and Premier League are pathetic, spineless cowards, and the clubs who have pushed for this for years because FA Cup replays are a minor inconvenience for them in the grand scheme of things are an absolute disgrace. And yes, if it transpires that my club have lobbied, voted or pushed for this as well for whatever reason then I absolutely include them in that.

[Dr. Gonzo]

Maybe the big clubs in England should stand up to FIFA and UEFA for their changes that add more matches to a season for top players, rather than punishing the smaller clubs which are ultimately the lifeblood for English football.

They probably can't afford to make this statement, but the football league and national league clubs simply refusing to participate in the FA Cup until replays are reintroduced would probably get a fire lit under the FA's arse to save the cup. Getting rid of replays ultimately directly impacts the finances of smaller clubs that get premier league clubs as opponents... hurting their finances means those clubs are less likely to be able to put up any meaningful fight against richer clubs in higher leagues. This means big upsets and "the magic of the FA cup" will become less and less likely over time.

Stupid decision from stupid and greedy people.

[Stan]

2 minutes ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

Maybe the big clubs in England should stand up to FIFA and UEFA for their changes that add more matches to a season for top players, rather than punishing the smaller clubs which are ultimately the lifeblood for English football.

That's where their big money is. But I find it amusingly ironic (or infuriatingly ironic?) that the bigger clubs and their managers complain about fixture congestion but then some of them (the clubs) were twerking for this new Super League which would have given them a lot more congestion anyway. 

 

It's just another nail in the coffin for any fan that has some kind of morales and appreciates the essence of the game as opposed to chasing where the money is. 

[RandoEFC+]

6 minutes ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

Maybe the big clubs in England should stand up to FIFA and UEFA for their changes that add more matches to a season for top players, rather than punishing the smaller clubs which are ultimately the lifeblood for English football.

 

3 minutes ago, Stan said:

But I find it amusingly ironic (or infuriatingly ironic?) that the bigger clubs and their managers complain about fixture congestion but then some of them (the clubs) were twerking for this new Super League which would have given them a lot more congestion anyway. 

It's almost as if fixture congestion isn't actually their concern whatsoever and that what they really want is to clear out low-paying domestic games from their calendar to make room for even more money-spinning UEFA fixtures...

[Rucksackfranzose]

58 minutes ago, Stan said:

It probably is, yes. But this is the oldest cup competition in the world being totally devalued. One of the highlights is non-league clubs potentially hosting big giant clubs, or at least the chance to. 

We all know the motive here - protect the wants and needs of a small percentage of bigger clubs and ignore that of the majority of other clubs that are involved. Managers like Klopp, Pep, Arteta constantly moaning about fixture congestion has influenced this. 

 

I think a suitable compromise would be to do it like they do in France - if a team is drawn at home to a side 2 (or more) divisions below them, then the tie is automatically switched to a home tie for the lower league club. It keeps the 'romance' of the cup alive and it's what fans enjoy a lot about the competition. 

 

Do it like Germany a team from top 2 tiers always play away if they face a lower league team.

[Dr. Gonzo]

13 minutes ago, Stan said:

That's where their big money is. But I find it amusingly ironic (or infuriatingly ironic?) that the bigger clubs and their managers complain about fixture congestion but then some of them (the clubs) were twerking for this new Super League which would have given them a lot more congestion anyway. 

 

It's just another nail in the coffin for any fan that has some kind of morales and appreciates the essence of the game as opposed to chasing where the money is. 

I wonder how long it'll be before this pursuit of constantly chasing cash just has people not giving a fuck about football anymore to the point where they're losing money.

[Stan]

5 minutes ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

I wonder how long it'll be before this pursuit of constantly chasing cash just has people not giving a fuck about football anymore to the point where they're losing money.

They'll lose such a core group of their fans. But sadly, they'll pander to the tourist market because that's where the money is. And that's where games abroad will start to become the norm. Spain and France do their Super Cup abroad I believe. Won't be long before the Community Shield follows suit... 

[Stan]

 

 

[6666]

It was inevitable with so many games in a season. The reality is that it's outdated and it gets in the way. Traditionalists won't like it but it makes sense. It was either this or getting rid of the League Cup and eventually it'll probably be both. An 18 team league wouldn't be too surprising either but that one's probably a long way off.

[Stan]

3 minutes ago, 6666 said:

It was inevitable with so many games in a season. The reality is that it's outdated and it gets in the way. Traditionalists won't like it but it makes sense. It was either this or getting rid of the League Cup and eventually it'll probably be both. An 18 team league wouldn't be too surprising either but that one's probably a long way off.

Gets in the way because of money elsewhere? 

Why not just withdraw from the competition if it gets in the way? Just because it gets in the way for one club (or 5 others) doesn't mean it gets in the way for others. 

[6666]

1 minute ago, Stan said:

Gets in the way because of money elsewhere? 

Why not just withdraw from the competition if it gets in the way? Just because it gets in the way for one club (or 5 others) doesn't mean it gets in the way for others. 

It's supposed to be the top knockout competition in England. It doesn't work without the top teams so of course those teams withdrawing isn't something that The FA would want especially for the sake of replays. It's the EFL trophy without those sides. It's not the done thing in any other competition and people never ask for it in any other competition.

Everyone will get used to it and it won't be seen as a big deal. Similar to how there were people mad at the away goals rule going away even though that was outdated as well.

[Rucksackfranzose]

36 minutes ago, Stan said:

Gets in the way because of money elsewhere? 

Why not just withdraw from the competition if it gets in the way? Just because it gets in the way for one club (or 5 others) doesn't mean it gets in the way for others. 

We all know the answer. FA won't carry on with a competition meant to be for the best teams without their best and, from FA's point of view much more important, most profitable teams. English, first and foremost, football teams made their bed with uninhibited commercialization- now lie in it.

Edited April 18 by Rucksackfranzose

[Stan]

18 minutes ago, 6666 said:

It's supposed to be the top knockout competition in England. It doesn't work without the top teams so of course those teams withdrawing isn't something that The FA would want especially for the sake of replays. It's the EFL trophy without those sides. It's not the done thing in any other competition and people never ask for it in any other competition.

Everyone will get used to it and it won't be seen as a big deal. Similar to how there were people mad at the away goals rule going away even though that was outdated as well.

Ah yes the EFL trophy that has non-league teams in it? 

You've actually just emphasised the point that everyone is making here. It's all about money isn't it? FA Cup holds no value without the top clubs in it. Those clubs wield too much power over the PL and FA. So you've got your way and you just expect other clubs to bow down to the superiority. As long as you get your way that's fine. 

[6666]

11 hours ago, Stan said:

Ah yes the EFL trophy that has non-league teams in it? 

You've actually just emphasised the point that everyone is making here. It's all about money isn't it? FA Cup holds no value without the top clubs in it. Those clubs wield too much power over the PL and FA. So you've got your way and you just expect other clubs to bow down to the superiority. As long as you get your way that's fine. 

If we simply talk about what works best as a competition and what works for the football calender, this is how it works out.

You're talking about replays simply because it means more money for smaller clubs. Nothing to do with the competition.

[Stan]

20 minutes ago, 6666 said:

If we simply talk about what works best as a competition and what works for the football calender, this is how it works out.

You're talking about replays simply because it means more money for smaller clubs. Nothing to do with the competition.

And that money going to smaller clubs is part of the competition. My point being is that the value of this competition lies in what clubs are within it. And it might surprise you to realise that there are hundreds of other clubs that partake in this competition, not just clubs that feel it 'gets in the way'.

Tell me one good reason why the PL should dictate on scrapping replays in the 1st and 2nd rounds when it doesn't even affect them? What jurisdiction to they have to make such a call and not only belittle the lower league clubs, but just act as if they don't exist and have no value themselves?

What works best as a competition is not the same as what works best for clubs like Arsenal. It works out best for Arsenal's football calendar. Arsenal don't speak for every other club in the competition that this impacts more on.

[6666]

6 minutes ago, Stan said:

And that money going to smaller clubs is part of the competition. My point being is that the value of this competition lies in what clubs are within it. And it might surprise you to realise that there are hundreds of other clubs that partake in this competition, not just clubs that feel it 'gets in the way'.

Tell me one good reason why the PL should dictate on scrapping replays in the 1st and 2nd rounds when it doesn't even affect them? What jurisdiction to they have to make such a call and not only belittle the lower league clubs, but just act as if they don't exist and have no value themselves?

What works best as a competition is not the same as what works best for clubs like Arsenal. It works out best for Arsenal's football calendar. Arsenal don't speak for every other club in the competition that this impacts more on.

All those clubs will still be a part of the competition. Let's not act like non-league clubs are now being left out. If replays weren't a part of the competition, no one would ask for it.

[Stan]

10 minutes ago, 6666 said:

All those clubs will still be a part of the competition. Let's not act like non-league clubs are now being left out. If replays weren't a part of the competition, no one would ask for it.

 

25 minutes ago, Stan said:

Tell me one good reason why the PL should dictate on scrapping replays in the 1st and 2nd rounds when it doesn't even affect them? What jurisdiction to they have to make such a call and not only belittle the lower league clubs, but just act as if they don't exist and have no value themselves?