Millwall’s Professional Game Board representative, Steve Kavanagh, has criticized the FA for approving the scrapping of FA Cup replays and accused the organization of trying to deflect blame. Kavanagh, also part of the EFL and the FA Cup committee, stated that the decision to remove replays was made unilaterally and without consulting EFL clubs. He further emphasized that discussions around potential changes to the Carabao Cup and FA Cup had taken place but not at the FA Cup committee level, leading to misinformation and a lack of transparency.
Following the explosive statement from Kavanagh, the FA released a strongly worded statement, explaining that the decision to scrap FA Cup replays was discussed extensively with the Premier League and EFL over the course of a year. They defended the move as a necessary step to strengthen competitions and navigate a congested calendar while also emphasizing additional revenue opportunities for EFL and National League teams. The FA detailed the approval process of the 2024-25 professional game football calendar and reiterated dueto the concerns expressed, they planned to clarify further to clubs and review the prize money annually.
The EFL responded to the developments, asserting their stance and pointing out that discussions around changing the FA Cup format were part of broader financial redistribution talks, emphasizing that things had stalled since September 2023. The EFL criticized the FA’s decision to scrap replays, which could marginalize lower-tier clubs, showing a divisive approach to collaborations between the FA and EFL. They called for a re-evaluation of the footballing partnership between the leagues, urging a more unified effort to address club-related challenges and maintain the integrity of English football.
In response to the backlash, the FA tried to clarify that changes to the FA Cup were designed to enhance the competition and secure exclusive broadcast slots in a crowded football calendar. They highlighted the role of the Professional Game Board in approving the 2024-25 fixture calendar and the process it undergoes annually with representatives from the Premier League, EFL, and grassroots organizations. Despite the criticism, the FA intends to apprise clubs of additional revenue opportunities and promised to keep under review their collaborative efforts with EFL and National League clubs.
The controversy surrounding the scrapping of FA Cup replays highlights a disconnect between the FA, EFL, and the clubs on the future direction of English football. The lack of transparency, consultation, and the unilateral nature of decisions like removing replays pose a threat to the grassroots and the sustainability of clubs in the lower tiers. The clash between the top leagues and lower divisions can have significant ramifications not only on the competitions themselves but also on the long-term health of English football. Moving forward, a more coordinated approach and genuine collaboration are necessary to ensure the best interests of all clubs are considered and protected.
