The EFL says the decision to scrap FA Cup replays from next season is “merely” agreed between the FA and the Premier League.
The FA and the Premier League revealed on Thursday that they had agreed “with new and special calendar windows” for a different format from the first round, which was “agreed in light of changes to the calendar driven by extended UEFA competitions”.
An FA statement said the Professional Game Board (PGB), which has four EFL representatives, including its chairman Rick Parry, and the FA board approved the overall calendar for next season, which includes the changes.
However, the EFL distanced itself from the decision, saying its representation on the PGB in agreeing to the 2024/25 fixture calendar “does not in any way constitute consent to a joint agreement between the FA and the Premier League”.
The EFL revealed that its representatives “challenged the position and were told that clubs would be comfortable with no replays” and that the matter had not been discussed with the FA Cup Committee, the group that oversees the competition.
The EFL’s statement read: “The agreement which now sees replays removed from the format of the competition has only been agreed between the Premier League and the FA. There was no agreement or formal consultation with the EFL prior to the announcement of the agreement. FA member clubs and competition participants.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Managers including Erik ten Haag, David Moyes and Russell Martin have had their say on the FA’s decision to scrap replays in next season’s FA Cup.
“In September 2023, the EFL initially discussed potential changes to the FA Cup format with clubs but only as part of a wider and more fundamental change to financial distributions. As is now clear, there has been no movement in this area since September.
“This latest agreement between the Premier League and the FA, in the absence of financial reform, is an example of how the EFL and its clubs are marginalized in the pyramid in favor of others and will only serve to threaten the future of the English game.
“The EFL today calls on both the Premier League and the FA, as governing bodies, to re-evaluate their approach to their football partnership with the EFL and engage more collaboratively on issues that directly affect our clubs.”
After a backlash from the EFL and non-league clubs, the FA released a further statement on Thursday morning, saying the decision required scrapping replays accepted by “all parties”, with further details on the approval process.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Dorking Wanderers owner, chairman and manager Mark White explains why scrapping FA Cup replays is a hammer blow to clubs up and down the country.
“Abolishing the Emirates FA Cup replays was discussed in early meetings and all parties agreed that they could not continue,” the FA statement said. “Despite having fewer dates available and wanting to maintain player welfare, discussions focused on how to strengthen all of our competitions.”
It added: “We understand the concerns expressed over the last 24 hours and we will soon be sharing more details with clubs to outline additional revenue opportunities in the early rounds.
“We will keep this under review as the new calendar begins to ensure EFL and National League clubs do not miss out.”
Sky Sports News The Premier League has been contacted for comment.
Meanwhile, the government is seeking answers from the FA and the Premier League about the replay decision.
A Government spokesman said: “David and Goliath matches are part of the magic of the Cup and we know that replays are a welcome source of income for smaller clubs throughout the year.
“These are, however, decisions for the football authorities, but it is clearly the responsibility of the FA and the Premier League to explain this decision and that it is in the best interests of the fans.”
The Football Governance Bill will be debated in Parliament for the first time on Tuesday but according to a government spokesman, the regulator will have no say when it comes to the football calendar.
“I don’t think there will be a regulatory role in the sports calendar,” he said. “It’s one for football officials.”
Bullingham: Magic of the Cup protected by changes
FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham on the FA Cup changes:
“The Emirates FA Cup is our biggest asset and generates more than 60 per cent of our revenue to invest in the game, so securing a strong format for the future is critical.
“This new agreement between the FA and the Premier League will strengthen the Emirates FA Cup and give this special tournament special weekends in an already busy calendar.
“The new schedule will protect and enhance the magic of the Cup, working for the whole of the English game. The long summer period will also allow players a much-needed break before the start of next season.
“We have also agreed new funding for the grassroots game, disability football and the women’s and girls’ game. All football starts at grassroots level, and this has been recognized by the Premier League with very welcome additional financial support.”
Ad Content | Stream Sky Sports now
Stream Sky Sports live now with a month or day membership with no contract. Instant access to live action from the Premier League, EFL, F1, England Cricket and more.