Football Association and Premier League are implementing five significant changes to the prestigious FA Cup starting from next season, one of which includes eliminating replays.
Despite its diminishing prestige among the elite, the FA Cup, the oldest cup competition globally, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of football supporters.
Starting from next season, UEFA competitions are expanding, leading to concerns about fixture congestion. Consequently, replays in the FA Cup will be reduced from the first round proper onward, even though European clubs don’t enter until the third round proper.
This decision is expected to spark controversy because replays can be lucrative for lower-league clubs, particularly if they manage to draw against a well-supported club and earn a rematch.
This will be in place for at least the next six years.
Other changes include:
– All rounds of the FA Cup will now be played on weekends, including the fifth round which has been played in midweek for the last five seasons.
– The fourth and fifth rounds, and the quarter-finals, will be exclusive of Premier League fixtures and the fourth round will have an extended window from Friday to Wednesday.
– FA Cup Final will take place on the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season on an exclusive Saturday with no Premier League fixtures taking place on the same day.
In exchange for this, the Premier League has increased funding to the football pyramid, providing up to an additional £33 million for grassroots football.
Reading will enter at round one as a League One club, and exited in round two this season at the hands of non-league Eastleigh
here are five significant changes to the FA Cup that have impacted Reading FC:
VAR Introduction: The introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the FA Cup has had a substantial impact on the game, affecting Reading and other teams. Decisions can now be reviewed and overturned based on video evidence, leading to more accurate officiating but also creating controversies at times.Schedule Changes: The FA Cup schedule has been adjusted over the years, affecting Reading’s fixtures.
This includes changes in match timings, replays, and rounds, which can impact player fitness, squad rotation strategies, and overall performance in the competition.
Financial Rewards: The FA Cup’s prize money and financial rewards have changed, influencing Reading’s financial planning and approach to the tournament. Higher rewards for progressing through rounds can incentivize teams to prioritize the FA Cup alongside their league commitments.
COVID-19 Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to the FA Cup, including matches played behind closed doors, limited fan attendance, and altered travel arrangements.
These changes affected the atmosphere of FA Cup matches and the overall experience for Reading players and supporters.Broadcasting and Streaming: The broadcasting and streaming rights for the FA Cup have evolved, impacting how Reading’s matches are televised or streamed.
Changes in broadcasting partners, coverage quality, and accessibility can influence the club’s exposure and fan engagement during the tournament.These changes reflect the dynamic nature of the FA Cup and its ongoing evolution in football.