CUP-SET
Never-before-seen FA Cup rule change proposed as footie bosses battle huge backlash to controversial replay decision
One chair has labelled the FA as "not fit for purpose"
EFL chiefs will demand a change in the FA Cup prize fund after being left out of the decision to scrap replays.
And a significant number of club bosses want EFL and non-league teams to have the right to decide whether to switch venues if they are drawn at home to Prem sides.
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Club chiefs in the lower three divisions are furious at claims they were part of the process that led to Thursday’s announcement, which came during an EFL board meeting.
The EFL does have three representatives on the Professional Game Board, which agreed the proposed FA Cup changes and other parts of a revised fixtures calendar.
But senior EFL representatives insist the ending of replays was effectively sprung on them at the end of a virtual meeting of the PGB two weeks ago.
It is understood that EFL chief Rick Parry made the point that he had not been consulted - although it is recognised the prospect of replays being scrapped has been a discussion point for two or more seasons.
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EFL bosses are adamant there was not a formal vote at either the PGB meeting or the subsequent FA Council gathering where the decision was effectively ratified.
And while there is a reluctant acceptance that the announcement effectively means the EFL clubs have been left with no option, that does not mean they will roll over.
That, though, is extremely unlikely to see the “aggrieved” EFL clubs refuse to take part in the FA Cup in protest.
Doing so would be a breach of the current tri-partite agreement between the FA, Prem and EFL.
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Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWS
By Martin Lipton
THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends - and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final - will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with TV match money, there should be few losers.
Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here.
It includes an undertaking by the Premier League sides that they will take part in the Carabao Cup which is a huge money earner for the 72 clubs.
Senior EFL figures recognise that breaking the agreement would give the Premier League sides the opportunity to pull out of the competition and therefore wreck a major financial stream.
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But EFL clubs are likely to demand a change on the prize money structure so that it is weighted more towards the earlier rounds of the competition.
One well-placed source said: “It’s the lack of proper consultation on this that has caused the most anger.
“The reality is that the EFL is outnumbered on these committees and sometimes we think our voice simply doesn't count.
“Realistically we have to fight a battle we can win and one of those is about prize money and how it is distributed because if we do not have replays and that income, it has to be made up in another way.
“The other thing that has to be discussed now is whether clubs should have the right to change the venue if they are drawn at home to a Premier League club.
“That was allowed a few years ago before it was stopped but many people think it has to be back on the agenda now.”
The latest development came as football lobbying group The People’s FA slammed the decision to scrap replays as a further erosion of the game.
Co-chair and former Charlton player Mickey Ambrose said: “Once again, our weak governing body is pandering to the needs of the Premier League.”
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Ambrose has now organised a petition he hopes will be signed by all 92 clubs across the top four divisions to then be sent to FA chairman Prince William.
He added: “Once again this proves the FA is not fit for purpose and needs to be reformed.”
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