All 16 FA Cup fourth round ties will be settled on the day after controversial changes to the world’s oldest cup competition following an deal involving the Premier League
The revamped FA Cup continues over the next few days with 16 fourth-round ties.
The world’s oldest cup competition looks a little different this season following a controversial change – namely, the scrapping of replays from the first round proper. One of the competition’s biggest traditions has been axed following a deal between the FA and the Premier League, which will see funding to grassroots games increase by £33million per season.
The agreement, which will be in place for at least six years, was met with outcry from many EFL and non-league clubs when it was announced last year. They insisted they were not adequately consulted over the changes.
Therefore, the fourth-round ties, which begin on Friday with Manchester United vs Leicester City, will be settled on the day with extra-time and penalties if necessary. As a sweetener for traditionalists, it was announced that ties would be played around weekends, although the final tie of the ‘weekend’, between Exeter City and Nottingham Forest, will played on Tuesday, February 11.
The loss of replays has already been felt in this season’s competition after non-league Tamworth held Tottenham to a draw after 90 minutes, which previously would have led to a lucrative replay at Spurs’ 60,000-capacity stadium. Instead, the Premier League side’s superiority eventually told in extra-time as they went through 3-0.
As part of the new arrangement, the fourth and fifth rounds and the quarter-finals are exclusive of Premier League fixtures. Meanwhile, the final will be stage on the penultimate Saturday (May 25) of the season, with no Premier League matches scheduled for the same day.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said the changes would “strengthen” the world’s oldest cup competition. He said: “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.
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“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.”
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters added: “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.”
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