CLUBS are threatening to boycott the FA Cup after the FA axed replays.

On Thursday, it was announced that FA Cup replays were being scrapped along with other changes.

The FA also confirmed that the mid-season break would be removed and a £33million increase in funding for grassroots football.

There has been a huge amount of backlash to the decision to dump replays as it could affect potential revenue for lower league clubs.

It now appears that a number of EFL and National League clubs are threatening to boycott the competition next season.

A number of EFL sides have issued statements condemning the changes made by the FA and Premier League.

Tranmere Rovers chairman Mark Palios has suggested he would be willing to back a boycott.

He told the Telegraph: "There needs to be further debate.

"But if that was the situation that most of the clubs felt that way, I’d support it."

His comments came after Accrington Stanley's chairman Andy Holt posted on social media.

He said: "I would support a boycott if enough clubs feel the same."

Traditionally replays have taken place until the fourth round if a match ends in a draw.

However, the changes will see all first-round and onward matches go to extra-time and penalties if no winner can be found before the 90th minute.

Leading government figures have also waded in on the controversial matter.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said: "David and Goliath fixtures are a part of the magic of the Cup.

"We know that replays have been a welcome source of income for smaller clubs throughout the years.

"These are, however, decisions for the footballing authorities.

"But clearly it’s incumbent on the FA and Premier League to explain this decision and why it is in the interests of fans."

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer slammed the decision as "wrong" and said that replays are "part of the tradition of the FA Cup".