We share the immense disappointment, frustration and sadness expressed by clubs, supporters and organisations following the news that the format of the FA Cup will be changing next season.
Over the course of its 153-year history, the FA Cup has established itself as the world’s most treasured domestic competition thanks to the incredible stories it has produced – not only of drama on the field, but also of fortunes being transformed thanks to lucrative and high-profile progression through the rounds.
The abolition of replays, therefore, takes away a huge element of what makes the FA Cup so universally revered while also significantly impacting the potential for clubs to generate much-needed additional revenue at a time when the pursuit of financial sustainability should be everyone’s top priority.
As the world's oldest professional football club, and past winners of the FA Cup, we're very sad to see that English football is set to lose a part of its soul.
