The Football Association and the Premier League announced this week that replays will be scrapped for the FA Cup from next season. Not only does this devalue the oldest and greatest domestic football cup competition in the world, but also takes away potential income for lower league clubs.
When a non-league club makes it into the first round proper of the FA Cup, it’s a proud moment for all involved and it can transform the often challenging finances of a club. If they can earn a replay against a bigger club, it is great for supporters and players. They get to welcome the opposition to their ground and visit/play in a new and exciting arena.
This is the magic of the cup.
I spoke to the Salisbury FC Chairman, Ian Hammond this morning and he said the following,
The news that replays in the FA Cup are to cease from the first round proper shows the continued dominance in the English game of the leading (usually foreign-owned) clubs in the Premier League for whom a replay in a national competition is a nuisance when compared with playing in ever-growing European and worldwide competitions. The impact on non-league clubs and indeed smaller EFL clubs will not be widespread, but for those who make it through to the early rounds, it could cut off a lifeline to financial stability. A sad day for the concept of a football pyramid where income flows from the top to the bottom.
Salisbury FC partners, Fair Game released the following on their website.
The decision to scrap Cup replays is ‘short-sighted and misguided’
“The move is yet another example of why football needs a strong and independent regulator that can ensure the financial future of our game and control the rampant self-interest of the fat cats at the top of the Premier League.”
Niall Couper, Fair Game CEO
