Blackpool’s FA Cup clash with Forest Green Rovers is POSTPONED as the League Two strugglers confirm they are subject of an investigation by English football’s governing body

Blackpool‘s FA Cup Round Two clash with Forest Green Rovers has been postponed, having been due to take place on Saturday afternoon.

The Seasiders were set to welcome the League Two strugglers to Bloomfield Road at 3pm, having seen off the challenge of Bromley in the First Round, beating the non-league outfit 2-0. 

The visitors meanwhile needed a replay to fend off Scarborough Athletic to set up the clash with the former Premier League side a division above them.

However, the tie has now been postponed as a result of an FA investigation into Forest Green Rovers, confirmed by the club, who have promised to ‘comply’ with the governing body and will update supporters on the situation in the coming days. 

Blackpool confirmed that the game had been postponed with an official statement published on their website. 

Forest Green Rovers took to social media to confirm the FA’s investigation but promised to update fans ‘in the coming days’

The Green are currently one point off bottom in League Two and facing a relegation battle

‘The Club can confirm Saturday’s FA Cup second round tie at home to Forest Green Rovers has been postponed,’ the statement read.

‘This decision has been made by the FA due to an investigation in relation to a matter involving Forest Green Rovers.

‘Blackpool Football Club would like to apologise to supporters for the inconvenience this has caused and is disappointed to be informed of this news at such short notice.

‘Further details on the outcome of the investigation will be announced in due course.’

The exact nature of the investigation from English football’s governing body is as yet unclear. 

Forest Green Rovers equally informed followers of the development, taking to social media to confirm an investigation from the FA.

‘Forest Green Rovers are aware of an FA investigation, meaning our FA Cup tie against Blackpool tomorrow is postponed,’ they wrote.

‘We will comply with the FA in their investigation and will provide a full update to supporters in the coming days once the investigation is complete.’

The visitors needed a replay to see off the challenge of Scarborough Athletic in the First Round

Neil Critchley’s Blackpool beat non-league outfit Bromley on the road to set up the tie

The game was to be the first ever meeting of the two sides, with the visitors never once beating a team from a division above them since joining the EFL in three attempts.

Similarly, the last time the Seasiders were beaten at home by a team from beneath them in the pyramid in the FA Cup came all the way back in December 2000, beaten by Yeovil.

In the last 23 years, they have won 10 and drawn two in such meetings, but are on a five-game winning streak. 

For the visitors meanwhile, this latest development comes at a time when the club are just a point from bottom in League Two and in a relegation battle after 19 games of the 2023-24 season.