The FA is forced to release a statement defending changes to FA Cup after lower league clubs slammed ‘disgraceful’ and ‘ridiculous’ decision to scrap replays… while others threatened a boycott

The FA have been forced to release a statement defending their changes to their iconic cup competition after the decision to axe replays was roundly condemned by a host of lower league clubs. 

The shake up of football’s oldest knockout competition sent shockwaves around the country, with many concerned about the future of EFL and non-league teams without extra revenue from replays. 

Other changes announced were fifth round match – played in midweek for the last five seasons – returning to a weekend slot FA Cup weekends in the fourth and fifth rounds being totally free of Premier League matches.

It comes with UEFA expanding the Champions League group stage from 32 to 36 teams and introducing a ‘Swiss Model’ format from next season – which means Premier League clubs will be forced to play eight group stage matches instead of six.

But the new format has not gone down well, with the EFL stating it was ‘disappointing’ and that they would be seeking compensation, while many lower league clubs have blasted the FA – despite news that Premier League clubs would increase their funding to the football pyramid each season from £100m to £133m.

A statement read: ‘We have listened to the concerns expressed over the last 24 hours, and would like to outline the approval process which was undertaken for the 2024-25 professional game football calendar.

‘We have been discussing the calendar for the 2024-25 season with the Premier League and EFL for well over a year.

‘Removing Emirates FA Cup replays was discussed in the early meetings and all parties accepted that they could not continue. The discussions then focused on how to make all of our competitions stronger, despite having fewer dates available and wanting to maintain player welfare.

‘The changes to the Emirates FA Cup achieve this by returning it to a weekend competition on every round, and ensuring that we have exclusive broadcast slots in an increasingly congested calendar.

‘To clarify, we have also increased the number of Emirates FA Cup matches that will be broadcast in the early rounds, which will lead to additional guaranteed broadcast revenue for EFL and National League teams. Additionally, we review the prize money annually for the competition, together with representatives from the EFL and PL and will do the same for the 2024-25 season.

Millwall boss Neil Harris and Hull City coach Liam Rosenior were among the managers to express concern over the changes

‘The calendar for next season was approved by the Professional Game Board, which consists of four EFL representatives and four Premier League representatives, last month, and then by the FA Board, which includes Premier League, EFL, National Game and grassroots representation. This is the process we undergo every year to approve the calendar.

‘We understand the concerns expressed over the last 24 hours, and we will be sharing more details with clubs very shortly to explain the additional revenue opportunities in the early rounds.

‘We will keep this under review as the new calendar begins to ensure that EFL and National League clubs do not lose out.’

However, despite the attempted reassurance from the FA, a string of clubs have slammed the decision with teams in the lower tiers coming together to express real concern for their future. 

Millwall boss Neil Harris led the outcry, calling the changes ‘absolutely ridiculous’ – but said the current state of European football was to blame, not the FA.

‘I don’t blame the FA at all for this, it’s the football calendar. It’s absolutely ridiculous. European football is a joke. It’s all about money. All that’s doing is affecting teams down the system. 

‘The Premier League look like they don’t want to share the wealth they get paid and do a deal with the EFL. That’s a shambles in itself, but that’s not for me to discuss now – you can see I feel strongly about it.

‘We’re going to lose replays and the chance for teams to go away from home and fight tooth and nail to scrape a draw and  take them back to their place in a sold out stadium. We’ll get used to it, I’m not going to change it with my words. The football authorities make their rules. We have to get on with it.’

Hull City boss Liam Rosenior, meanwhile, insisted ‘there has to be something in return’ for struggling clubs. 

‘The game has changed, it has evolved,’ he said. ‘The physical demands on players has gone through the roof. More and more injuries and players breaking down – but at the same time I know how important for non league clubs and lower league clubs those replays are. 

Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony warned there could soon be a ‘fallout’ in the EFL

‘There was a report that Premier league clubs were going to give more money to grassroots teams. If that happens to offset the loss of replays then I’m all for it, but there has to be something in return. We can’t just scrap FA Cup replays and forget about all the clubs that make up the unbelievable pyramid we have in this country.’

Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony warned there could be a ‘fallout’ in the English game.

‘I have no idea what the Premier League or the FA are even thinking pulling this move the way its unfolded today. If this is a sign of things to come then expect a full on fallout within English Football coming soon all caused by one faction of our game.

‘It is time to show some minerals in how we respond to these events today imo. Ignoring us lower down the pyramid is not a sensible route to take going forward. Time to get in a room/around a table & make proper progress on everything as this Is not healthy for our industry.’

Accrington chief Andy Holt said he would support a boycott the competition if others joined 

Tranmere, meanwhile, hit out at the FA for a ‘total lack of respect’ for lower league clubs and failing to consult them over the decision.

The club said: ‘There was no consultation with Football League clubs, National League clubs or grassroots clubs to whom the competition represents not only their best opportunity to create life-long memories for supporters but also a hugely important source of income.

‘The decision, and the way it was taken, demonstrate a total lack of respect for the football pyramid and its fans.

‘We condemn the changes wholeheartedly and urge the FA to suspend them immediately until all stakeholders in the game are properly consulted.’

And Andy Holt – the often outspoken chairman of Accrington Stanley – urged his fellow EFL clubs to fight the new system ‘with all our might’ and called for clubs to boycott the competition. 

‘We want the deal completing between the EFL and the Premier League BEFORE any single concession to them or the FA.

Tranmere’s Nicola Palios, right, has suggested that ‘protest’ may be required over the new deal

The club said the decision taken to remove replays was ‘disgraceful’ in a statement

‘We need to fight this change to the FA Cup with ALL OUR MIGHT. They have had long enough, years in fact.’

Stevenage chief Phil Wallace was also frustrated with the changes and said they only benefited the Premier League clubs. 

‘Imagine when a National League club draws a Premier League club and gets a draw at home. That is the magic of the FA Cup and that won’t happen any more,’ he said. 

Wigan Athletic – winners of the 2013 FA Cup and courtesy of a third round replay – said they were ‘dismayed’ by the decision, while Rochdale expresed their ‘sincere disappointment’ in their own statement. There were also statements condemning the FA from Leyton Orient, Port Vale, Newport Country and Cambridge United.  

Rochdale famously secured a replay against Tottenham in their 2018 fifth round tie after sealing a dramatic 2-2 draw at home

The shake-up has also been massively felt by non-league clubs, with Dorking Wanderers owner and manager Marc White saying additional money being pumped into grassroots won’t replace the ‘fan experience’ of a cup replay and hit out at the Premier League. 

‘It’s a significant loss, which is another example of the Premier League continue to want to dominate the decision making of the FA and impact others. They talk very crassly about the extra revenue they’re going to put into the game almost justifying what they know they’re taking away from the legacy. 

‘There’s no amount of millions they can put into fan experiences. The TV money coming from replays, the prize money. It’s a significant thing and it’s disappointing.’

National League South club Farnborough added: ‘To suspend replays when the Premier League clubs haven’t even come into the competition seems even more bizarre.’