FA Cup Changes Starting From Next Season
In a significant break from tradition, the English Football Association (FA) announced yesterday that, starting with the 2024-25 edition, the FA Cup will be contested without replayed games, from the first round proper.
“The current format, which has no replays from the fifth round onwards, has been extended throughout the ‘Competition Proper’ in light of changes to the calendar driven by the expanded UEFA competitions”, said the FA’s statement.
The governing body also confirmed that all rounds of the FA Cup will be played during weekends moving forward, including the 5th round, which, for the last five seasons, has always taken place midweek.
Another novelty is that the 4th and 5th FA Cup rounds will be played independently of Premier League fixtures for the first time. This means that no EPL games will take place on those weekends.
The final of the FA Cup will get its own dedicated day, during the weekend of the 37th matchday of the Premier League. It will be a Saturday exclusively dedicated to the FA Cup showpiece, with the Friday before it also clear of any EPL games. However, games in the top division will be played on that weekend, with Sunday being the day set aside for them.
Commenting on these changes, FA chief executive Mark Bullingham stated: “The FA Cup is our biggest asset and generates over 60% of our revenue to invest into the game, so it is critical to secure a strong format for the future.
“The new schedule ensures the magic of the Cup is protected and enhanced, while working for the whole of the English game. (…) We have also agreed new funding for the grassroots game, disability football and the women’s and girls’ game.
“All football begins at the grassroots, and this is recognised by the Premier League with very welcome additional financial support [to the FA].”