Major Changes to FA Cup Format Announced | OneFootball

FA Cup Replays Axed from 2024-25 Season in Landmark Changes

Fundamental Shift in FA Cup Format

Beginning with the 2024-25 season, the FA Cup will see significant alterations as replays are scrapped from the first round onwards. This decision is part of a broader six-year agreement between the Football Association (FA) and the Premier League, designed to streamline the competition and adapt to an increasingly congested football calendar.

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Weekend Matches and Schedule Adjustments

In a notable shift from tradition, all rounds of the Emirates FA Cup will now occupy weekend slots, including the fifth round, which has been held midweek over the past five seasons. The FA Cup final itself has been rescheduled to the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season, ensuring it does not clash with league fixtures and allowing a clear run-up to this climax of the English football year.

Rationale Behind the Changes

The elimination of replays from an earlier stage in the competition aligns with adjustments necessitated by expanded UEFA competitions. Traditionally, the FA Cup introduced replays as a means to settle draws, adding extra matches to teams’ schedules. “In light of changes to the calendar driven by the expanded UEFA competitions,” replays have been deemed unsustainable from the first round onwards, where professional teams from League One and League Two typically enter the fray.

Enhanced Focus and Additional Funding

The restructuring also aims to give the FA Cup more prominence within the domestic schedule. By avoiding overlap with Premier League fixtures, particularly in the critical fourth and fifth rounds and the quarter-finals, the tournament can enjoy a distinct spotlight. This change underscores the FA’s commitment to maintaining the FA Cup’s stature and relevance amidst a packed sporting calendar.

Furthermore, this new agreement heralds a substantial increase in Premier League funding for grassroots football. An additional £33m is earmarked for the lower tiers of the game, including disability football and women’s and girls’ football. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham highlighted the broader impact of this initiative: “The FA Cup is our biggest asset. This new agreement strengthens the FA Cup and gives this very special tournament exclusive weekends in an increasingly busy calendar. We have also agreed on new funding for the grassroots game, disability football, and the women’s and girls’ game. All football begins at the grassroots, and this is recognized by the Premier League with very welcome additional financial support.”

These comprehensive changes are set to reshape the experience of the FA Cup for teams, players, and fans, reflecting a modern approach to managing the demands of the modern football schedule.