sport news The FA is forced to release a statement defending changes to FA Cup after lower ... trends now
The FA have been forced to release a statement defending their changes to their iconic cup competition after the decision to axe replays was roundly condemned by a host of lower league clubs.
The shake up of football's oldest knockout competition sent shockwaves around the country, with many concerned about the future of EFL and non-league teams without extra revenue from replays.
Other changes announced were fifth round match - played in midweek for the last five seasons - returning to a weekend slot FA Cup weekends in the fourth and fifth rounds being totally free of Premier League matches.
It comes with UEFA expanding the Champions League group stage from 32 to 36 teams and introducing a 'Swiss Model' format from next season - which means Premier League clubs will be forced to play eight group stage matches instead of six.
But the new format has not gone down well, with the EFL stating it was 'disappointing' and that they would be seeking compensation, while many lower league clubs have blasted the FA - despite news that Premier League clubs would increase their funding to the football pyramid each season from £100m to £133m.
The FA have been forced to release a statement defending their decision to make changes to the FA Cup following widespread anger
A statement read: 'We have listened to the concerns expressed over the last 24 hours, and would like to outline the approval process which was undertaken for the 2024-25 professional game football calendar.
'We have been discussing the calendar for the 2024-25 season with the Premier League and EFL for well over a year.
'Removing Emirates FA Cup replays was discussed in the early meetings and all parties accepted that they could not continue. The discussions then focused on how to make all of our competitions stronger, despite having fewer dates available and wanting to maintain player welfare.
'The changes to the Emirates FA Cup achieve this by returning it to a weekend competition on every round, and ensuring that we have exclusive broadcast slots in an increasingly congested calendar.
'To clarify, we have also increased the number of Emirates FA Cup matches that will be broadcast in the early rounds, which will lead to additional guaranteed broadcast revenue for EFL and National League teams. Additionally, we review the prize money annually for the competition, together with representatives from the EFL and PL and will do the same for the 2024-25 season.
Millwall boss Neil Harris and Hull City coach Liam Rosenior were among the managers to express concern over the changes
'The calendar for next season was approved by the Professional Game Board, which consists of four EFL representatives and four Premier League representatives, last month, and then by the FA Board, which includes Premier League, EFL, National Game and grassroots representation. This is the process we undergo every year to approve the calendar.
'We understand the concerns expressed over the last 24 hours, and we will be sharing more details with clubs very shortly to explain the additional revenue opportunities in the early rounds.
'We will keep this under review as the new calendar begins to ensure that EFL and National League clubs do not lose out.'
However, despite the attempted reassurance from the FA, a string of clubs have slammed the decision with teams in the lower tiers coming together to express real concern for their future.
Millwall boss Neil Harris led the outcry, calling the changes 'absolutely ridiculous' - but said the current state of European football was to blame, not the FA.
'I don't blame the FA at all for this, it's the football calendar. It's absolutely ridiculous. European football is a joke. It's all about money. All that's doing is affecting teams down the system.
'The Premier League look like they don't want to share the wealth they get paid and do a deal with the EFL. That's a
