FA Cup replays have been scrapped in changes to the competition’s format ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
The news comes amid concerns over the congested nature of the football calendar, with all replays to be removed from the first round. Previously, there had been no replays from the fifth-round onwards.
Football League sides had opposed the abolishment of FA Cup replays with the potential to miss out on high-revenue ties against clubs higher up the pyramid, though the chances come alongside an agreement between the FA and Premier League for greater support of the lower leagues.
Premier League clubs have agreed to an additional £33m per yer for grassroots football, alongside the current £100m currently given to ‘good causes’. There is a commitment to provide up to £133m per season to support key areas of the game at all levels, from the 2025/26 season.
All rounds of the FA Cup will also now be played on weekends, including the fifth round which has been played in midweek in recent seasons.
“The Emirates FA Cup is our biggest asset and generates over 60 per cent of our revenue to invest into the game, so it is critical to secure a strong format for the future.
“This new agreement between the FA and the Premier League strengthens the Emirates FA Cup and gives this very special tournament exclusive weekends in an increasingly busy calendar,” FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said.
“The new schedule ensures the magic of the Cup is protected and enhanced, while working for the whole of the English game. The longer summer period also allows a much-needed player break before the start of the next season.
“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.”
