sport news Revealed: FA did NOT discuss controversial decision to scrap replays with FA ... trends now
The FA's controversial move to scrap FA Cup replays completely from next season was not discussed by the governing body's FA Cup Committee in another indication of the secrecy surrounding the historic decision.
Mail Sport has learned that the 12-person committee, which is responsible for all aspects of running the 153-year-old competition, was not involved in talks relating to the seismic change that has sparked an angry backlash from the EFL and their clubs.
The FA Cup Committee is chaired by the Premier League's Peter McCormick and made up of four representatives from the top-flight, four from the EFL and four from the grassroots game. All issues relating to competition and any rule changes fall under its remit.
FA sources told Mail Sport that under their governance rules they are not obliged take issues relating to the calendar to the FA Cup Committee. Instead the move to axe replays was agreed by the FA's Professional Game Board, which is made up of four representatives each from the Premier League and the EFL, before being approved by the full FA Board.
Mail Sport has been given details of heated discussions of the Professional Game Board meeting on 5th March which waived through the decision despite vocal opposition from the EFL.
A major change to the FA Cup will see all replays from the first round onwards scrapped but the rounds played on a weekends without Premier League games alongside
Mail Sport understands the FA Cup Committee were not consulted on the seismic change
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham is understood to have told the meeting that the clubs would welcome the removal of replays to ease fixture congestion, a claim which was immediately contested by EFL club representatives Peter Ridsdale of Preston, and Millwall's Steve Kavanagh and Jez Moxley of Burton Albion.
In addition to the loss of matches, income and tradition the EFL's anger at the FA has been compounded at what they perceive as the governing body removing their one point of leverage over the Premier League in their ongoing dispute over a new financial settlement for the lower divisions.
An agreement over the
