The EFL says the decision to abandon next season’s FA Cup replays was “solely” agreed between the FA and the Premier League.
The FA and Premier League revealed on Thursday that they had reached agreement on a different first round format with “exclusive new calendar windows” which had been agreed “in light of changes to the calendar, driven by the expansion of UEFA competitions. “.
The FA statement said that the Professional Game Board (PGB), which has four representatives from the EFL, including its chairman Rick Parry, and the FA Board of Directors have approved the general calendar for next season containing the changes.
However, the EFL has since distanced itself from the decision, saying its representation in the PGB in agreeing to the 2024/25 schedule was “in no way an endorsement of the joint agreement reached between the FA and the Premier League.
The EFL said its representatives “challenged the position and were told clubs would not be comfortable with no replays” and revealed the issue had not been discussed with the committee of the FA Cup, a group which oversees the competition.
The EFL statement read: “The agreement which now provides for the removal of replays from the competition format was concluded solely between the Premier League and the FA. Prior to the announcement of the agreement, it There has been no agreement with the EFL nor any formal consultation with the EFL clubs as members of the FA and participants in the competition.
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Managers including Erik ten Hag, David Moyes and Russell Martin have their say on the FA’s decision to abandon 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, it does not There has been no movement in this area since September.
“This latest deal between the Premier League and the FA, in the absence of financial reform, is just another example of how the EFL and its clubs are being marginalized in favor of others higher up the pyramid and it only threatens the future of the English game.
“The EFL is today calling on the Premier League and the FA, as the governing body, to reassess their approach to their football partnership with the EFL and engage more collaboratively on issues directly affecting our clubs .”
Following a backlash from the EFL and non-league clubs, the FA released a new statement on Thursday morning with more details on the process of approving the decision in which it said that “all parties ” agreed that the reruns should be removed.
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Dorking Wanderers owner, chairman and manager Marc White explains why the abandonment of FA Cup replays is a blow to clubs across the country.
“The removal of Emirates FA Cup replays was discussed in early meetings and all parties accepted that they cannot continue,” the FA statement said. “Discussions then focused on how to make all our competitions stronger, despite the reduced number of dates available and the desire to preserve the well-being of the players.”
He added: “We understand the concerns expressed over the last 24 hours, and we will share more details with clubs very soon to explain additional revenue opportunities in the early rounds.
“We will keep this in mind as the new schedule begins to ensure EFL and National League clubs do not lose out.”
Sky Sports News has contacted the Premier League for comment.
Meanwhile, the government is demanding answers from the FA and Premier League over the replay decision.
A government spokesperson said: “David and Goliath matches are part of the magic of the Cup and we know that replays have been a welcome source of income for small clubs over the years.
“These are, however, decisions for the football authorities to make, but there is a clear onus on the FA and the Premier League to explain this decision and why it is in the best interests of supporters.”
The Football Governance Bill will be debated for the first time in Parliament on Tuesday but, according to the government spokesperson, a regulator would have no say in the football calendar.
“I don’t think the regulator will have a role in the sporting calendar,” they added. “It’s one for the football authorities.”
Bullingham: Cup magic protected by changes
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham on the changes to the FA Cup:
“The Emirates FA Cup is our greatest asset and generates over 60 per cent of our revenue to invest in the game, so ensuring a strong format for the future is essential.
“This new agreement between the FA and the Premier League strengthens the Emirates FA Cup and gives this very special tournament exclusive weekends in an increasingly busy schedule.
“The new schedule ensures that the magic of the Cup is protected and enhanced, while working for the whole of the English game. The longer summer period also allows players to take a well-deserved break before the start of next season.
“We have also agreed new funding for grassroots football, disability football and women’s and women’s football. All football starts at grassroots level, and this is recognized by the Premier League with much-welcomed additional financial support. “
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