FA Cup changes rule for first time in 154-year history with huge impact on mega-money prize pot

THIRD round losers will get prize money for the first time as the FA Cup kicks off for real on Thursday.

All 32 teams eliminated at the last 64 stage will be paid £25,000 from Wembley funds, with the winners each bagging £115,000.

FA chiefs agreed the extra payments to compensate clubs for the abolition of all replays from the first round proper.

Losing sides in the first and second round earned £15,000 and £20,000 respectively.

Although this weekend’s ties will be the last this season that have a financial consolation prize.

The total prize pot on offer from the first round onwards has gone up by £2.44m to £20.3m.

But the majority of the extra cash will go to lower league clubs.

And there is no change to the money available for winning games from the fourth round onwards.

May’s Wembley winners will earn a total £3.91m, just £10,000 more than Manchester United picked up in prize money last term.

That compares to the £6.795m that Arsenal earned for their behind closed doors Final win over Chelsea in 2020.

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The impact of the pandemic on Wembley finances saw a significant reduction in FA Cup prize money.

That has only marginally increased over the intervening four seasons.

The 12 clubs involved in the third-round matches selected for live screening by BBC and ITV - including Tamworth, who host Spurs on Sunday - will all receive £85,000.

In addition, being broadcast on BBC iPlayer and Red Button services will earn Everton, Peterborough, Leeds, Harrogate, Newcastle and Bromley £40,000 apiece.

While Sheffield United, Cardiff, Southampton and Swansea get £48,000 each from BBC Wales coverage.