THE FA have announced a major broadcasting change in response to the backlash from EFL clubs.
Teams outside the Premier League were left furious on Thursday after the latest changes to the competition.
From next season, replays will be scrapped from the first round onwards following a deal between the FA and Premier League.
The decision was met with criticism from supporters and lower league clubs with concerns over the financial impacts of the decision.
Number 10 has also waded into the row.
The FA have now confirmed that more matches from the earlier rounds will be broadcast live on TV as a result.
In a statement, they said: “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.”
Additional changes will see the fourth and fifth rounds, as well as the quarter-finals, played without clashing with Premier League matches.
Meanwhile, the fourth round will be played in an extended window from Friday to Wednesday and the final has been moved to the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season.
The statement continues: “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.
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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.
Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here.
“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.”
Number 10 has also joined the growing row, saying: “David and Goliath fixtures are a part of the magic of the Cup and 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 its incumbent on the FA and Premier League to explain this decision and why it is in the interest of fans.”
