In an unexpected turn, League Two underdogs Grimsby Town achieved a remarkable victory over Luton Town, a team now playing in the Premier League, in a FA Cup fourth-round replay last season.
The future of FA Cup replays from the third round onwards, as well as the traditional two-legged EFL Cup semi-finals, hangs in the balance following the Premier League’s announcement of its 2024-25 season dates.
The season is slated to commence on August 17 and conclude on May 25. The calendar, compressed to accommodate only six midweeks without Premier League or European matches, features four weekend rounds. This tight schedule leaves little room for additional matches, suggesting that the EFL Cup may have to abandon its longstanding practice of two-legged semi-finals, a format in place since 1961.
Similarly, FA Cup replays face uncertainty. Sources at Sport Newes Center indicate that should these replays be discontinued, the fifth round of the competition could revert to being held on weekends, a shift from recent seasons’ midweek scheduling.
The FA has not commented on these potential changes to the FA Cup. However, discussions are ongoing regarding the format of the EFL Cup.
These adjustments are partly driven by the expanding European club calendar, which includes a larger Champions League and Europa League. UEFA aims to provide exclusive midweeks for the Europa League and the Europa Conference League, where no other competitions would take place.
The season’s end is also closely followed by the newly expanded 32-team Club World Cup, set to begin on June 15, 2024.
Top figures in English football convened in January to explore proposals from Premier League clubs to overhaul domestic football structures, including significant changes to the FA Cup and League Cup. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has publicly supported the idea of eliminating FA Cup replays, suggesting alternative methods to financially support smaller clubs.
Concerns have been raised by lower-league clubs about the potential financial impact of removing replays, which often provide them with lucrative opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about FA Cup Replays
What changes are being proposed for the FA Cup and EFL Cup?
The FA Cup replays from the third round onwards and the traditional two-legged EFL Cup semi-finals might be scrapped. This change is due to the tight schedule of the Premier League’s 2024-25 season, which leaves limited room for additional matches.
Why is the Premier League schedule affecting these cups?
The Premier League’s 2024-25 season schedule is more compressed, with only six midweeks free of Premier League or European matches. This makes it challenging to accommodate additional fixtures like cup replays and two-legged semi-finals.
What will happen to the FA Cup replays and EFL Cup semi-finals?
FA Cup replays might be discontinued from the third round onwards, and EFL Cup semi-finals may no longer be played as two-legged ties. Discussions are ongoing, and the FA has not yet commented on the FA Cup changes.
How does UEFA’s expansion of European leagues impact this?
The expansion of the Champions League and Europa League, along with UEFA’s desire for exclusive midweeks for the Europa League and Europa Conference League, contributes to the squeeze in the overall football calendar.
What is the stance of top football figures on these changes?
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has expressed support for scrapping FA Cup replays, suggesting the need for alternative ways to financially support smaller clubs. Lower-league clubs, however, are concerned about losing financial benefits from replays.
When will the 2024-25 Premier League season start and end?
The 2024-25 Premier League season is scheduled to start on August 17 and conclude on May 25.
What is the significance of the Club World Cup in 2024?
The conclusion of the Premier League season will be closely followed by the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, starting on June 15, 2024.
More about FA Cup Replays
- Premier League 2024-25 Season Schedule
- UEFA’s Expansion of European Competitions
- Jurgen Klopp’s Support for FA Cup Changes
- Club World Cup 2024
