In recent development for English football, the FA Cup is poised to eliminate replays from the third round onward starting from the upcoming season. While replays have already been absent from the fifth round onward since the 2018/19 season, earlier rounds have still offered clubs the chance for a second match if ties ended in a draw.
This decision will particularly impact EFL and non-league clubs, which have traditionally benefited from replays financially, garnering additional gate receipts and TV revenue. However, this opportunity will no longer be available from the third round onward, according to reports from the Daily Mail.
Top-flight managers have voiced criticism of replay requirements, advocating for matches to proceed directly to extra time and penalties on the original fixture day to alleviate fixture congestion. This move aligns with efforts to manage a perceived overcrowded schedule, but it poses financial challenges for clubs outside the Premier League.
This development compounds financial strains on lower-tier clubs, following Premier League discussions that failed to secure a new funding settlement for the EFL, leaving clubs in a precarious financial position.
