FA CUP REPLAY SCRAPPED! Should the lower league teams boycott the Cup?
The Football Association (FA) unveiled their plans to get rid of the replay. To Premier League fans, this may not be an issue as your clubs typically run the show in the cup, but for EFL and semi professional teams, this will massively affect the magic of the cup!
EFL teams such as Cambridge and Reading have released their opinions on the decision. Spoiler alert, they were both outraged about the decision!
Reading stated that they were proud of recent history coming in an FA CUP saying:
” As a club, we have enjoyed some of the most memorable moments in our history through FA Cup replays. Extra time victories at both Anfield and The Hawthorns in the 2009-10 competition, and of course in 2015 where victory over Bradford secured a first semi-final place since 1927 “
Both clubs were quick to highlight the fact that all EFL, National League, and the wider grassroots community had not been consulted about this decision.
In Cambridge’s club statement, they illuminated the point that a replay is a potential revenue stream for lower league sides aswell as creating key memories for fans when they said:
” Replays have not only become a potentially important revenue stream for lower league clubs, but have also enabled thousands of supporters across the country to experience unique and special memories in the competition, such as the U’s 2015 Fourth Round Replay at Old Trafford. “
The elimination of FA Cup replays deals a heavy blow to lower league clubs, robbing them of potential upsets, revenue streams, and exposure. Replays offer smaller teams a second chance to challenge giants, fostering excitement and inclusivity in football. For instance, in the 2019-2020 season, League One side Shrewsbury Town held Premier League outfit Liverpool to a 2-2 draw, earning a lucrative replay at Anfield. These opportunities not only generate significant income through ticket sales and TV rights but also showcase the talent and determination of smaller clubs. Without this opportunity, the magic of the cup diminishes, widening the financial and competitive gap between tiers, stifling the dreams of underdogs.
Another example of why I believe replays should stay is that when Stockport went to Bolton in the first round and managed to hold Bolton to a 2-2 draw then in one of the clubs biggest moments in history they returned to Edgeley park and in 120 minutes beat the lillywhites 5-3 on the night after 2 extra time goals
In conclusion, I personally believe that this is a shocking decision being a fan of a smaller club myself as I have created memories over the years. I like the fact that non league sides could be drawn at home against a big club, lets use Manchester United for an example and then get to go to Old Trafford on a Tuesday night and scap a undeserved 1-0 win in the freezing cold and rain. Like thats what footballs all about right?
So here’s the question… should the FA Cup Replay remain?
Massively enjoyed writing this one! Thanks for the help @hatters.pure
Great work was a good read, glad replays are gone personally.