Clubs threatening to BOYCOTT FA Cup in protest after replays axed as Government wades into row
CLUBS are threatening to boycott the FA Cup after the FA axed replays.
On Thursday, it was announced that replays were being scrapped along with other changes.
The FA also confirmed that the mid-season break would be removed and a £33million increase in funding for grassroots football.
There has been a huge amount of backlash to the decision to dump replays as it could affect potential revenue for lower league clubs.
It now appears that a number of EFL and National League clubs are threatening to boycott the competition next season.
A number of EFL sides have issued statements condemning the changes made by the FA and Premier League.
Tranmere Rovers chairman Mark Palios has suggested he would be willing to back a boycott.
He told the Telegraph: “There needs to be further debate.
“But if that was the situation that most of the clubs felt that way, I’d support it.”
His comments came after Accrington Stanley’s chairman Andy Holt posted on social media.
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He said: “I would support a boycott if enough clubs feel the same.”
Traditionally replays have taken place until the fourth round if a match ends in a draw.
However, the changes will see all first-round and onward matches go to extra-time and penalties if no winner can be found before the 90th minute.
Leading Government figures have also waded in on the controversial matter.
A spokesman for the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said: “David and Goliath fixtures are a part of the magic of the Cup.
“We know that replays have been a welcome source of income for smaller clubs throughout the years.
“These are, however, decisions for the footballing authorities.
“But clearly it’s incumbent on the FA and Premier League to explain this decision and why it is in the interests of fans.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer slammed the decision as “wrong” and said that replays are “part of the tradition of the FA Cup“.
Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWS
By Martin Lipton
THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with TV match money, there should be few losers.
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