April 18, (THEWILL) – The England Football Association has announced a significant overhaul of the FA Cup, the world’s oldest domestic club competition. As part of a six-year agreement with the English Premier League, the competition will undergo several key changes aimed at strengthening its position in the crowded football calendar.
The most notable change is the scrapping of replays from the first round onwards. “From the first round proper, the competition will be played without replays,” the FA confirmed in a statement. This decision has been made in light of the expanded UEFA competitions and the need to provide a longer close-season break.
Additionally, all FA Cup rounds will now be played exclusively on weekends, with the fourth and fifth rounds, as well as the quarter-finals, scheduled to avoid clashing with EPL matches. “The new schedule ensures the magic of the cup is protected and enhanced while working for the whole of the English game,” said Mark Bullingham, CEO of the FA.
As part of the agreement, the EPL has agreed to increase its funding to the English football pyramid by an additional £33 million, which will be used to develop grassroots facilities and support lower league clubs. “This investment will improve facilities for communities and lower league clubs across the country through the Football Foundation and Premier League Stadium Fund,” explained EPL Chief Executive Richard Masters.
The changes to the FA Cup come as the current season’s semi-finals are set to take place this weekend, with holders Manchester City facing Chelsea and Coventry City taking on Manchester United.
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
