Breaking News: FA Cup Replays To Be Scrapped From Next Season
The FA have announced that FA Cup replays will be scrapped in a series of changes set to take effect from the start of the 2024/25 season
The FA have announced that FA Cup replays will be scrapped in a series of changes set to take effect from the start of the 2024/25 season. The changes to the world’s oldest cup competition will undoubtedly divide opinion but they have been brought in in an effort to “strengthen” the format of the competition.
The qualification stages will retain replays but they will no longer be played from the first round proper onwards. In a joint-agreement between the FA and the Premier League, other changes include the removal of midweek fixtures with all matches now scheduled for the weekend and no Premier League fixtures will be played on any FA Cup weekends. As a compromise, the Premier League has pledged a further £33m per year to grassroots football.
FA chief executive, Mark Bullingham, stated:
"The Emirates FA Cup is our [The FA’s] biggest asset and generates over 60 per cent of our revenue to invest into the game, so it is critical to secure a strong format for the future.
"This new agreement between the FA and the Premier League strengthens the Emirates FA Cup and gives this very special tournament exclusive weekends in an increasingly busy calendar.
"The new schedule ensures the magic of the Cup is protected and enhanced, while working for the whole of the English game. The longer summer period also allows a much-needed player break before the start of the next season.
"We have also agreed new funding for the grassroots game, disability football and the women’s and girls’ game. All football begins at the grassroots, and this is recognised by the Premier League with very welcome additional financial support."
Premier League chief executive, Richard Masters, added:
"The Premier League is proud of the investment it provides to all levels of the game and this new agreement with the FA will see us enhance our support into grassroots football. This will improve facilities for communities and lower league clubs across the country, through the Football Foundation and Premier League Stadium Fund.
"Throughout our discussions, both parties have been committed to enhancing the scheduling of the Emirates FA Cup, a hugely important domestic competition with a storied history.
"The FA and the Premier League have worked in partnership to deliver more exclusive weekends without compromising the excitement of knockout football and this has been achieved at the same time as allowing us to ease fixture congestion generally."
Here are the FA Cup changes in full:
- All rounds played on weekends
- Fourth, fifth and quarter-finals weekends exclusive of EFL games
- No replays from first round proper
- Cup Final weekend exclusive of EPL games
- Premier League to increase funding to football pyramid
This season’s FA Cup
This season’s FA Cup has reached the semi-final stage with both matches scheduled to be played at Wembley Stadium this weekend. Holders, Manchester City play Chelsea on Saturday before last season’s runners-up, Manchester United play Coventry City of the Sky Bet Championship on Sunday.
Despite the disappointment of exiting the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, Manchester City are outright favourites for this year's tournament with most online football betting sites. Here are the latest odds on this year's Emirates FA Cup, courtesy of Ladbrokes.
Semi-Final Odds
| Manchester City | Draw | Chelsea |
|---|---|---|
| 8/15 | 16/5 | 19/5 |
| Coventry City | Draw | Manchester United |
|---|---|---|
| 5/1 | 19/5 | 4/9 |
Outright Odds
| Winners | Odds |
|---|---|
| Manchester City | 4/6 |
| Manchester United | 9/4 |
| Chelsea | 11/2 |
| Coventry City | 25/1 |
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