Sometimes I really do wonder just what is happening to this wonderful game of ours!

The back end of the week has seen the FA Cup dominate not only the sports pages but also the many social media outlets available to us all.

The decision taken to not only do away with replays but also to play the FA Cup Final before the last Premier League game of the season has created uproar.

Looking in from the outside it would appear that the decisions have been made at the bequest of the ‘bigger’ clubs who continue to harp on about having too many games to play.

It would appear that none or little thought has been given to the EFL clubs who, over the years have benifitted from the funds generated by earning a trip to a Premier League ground for a replay, along with the day out for supporters of clubs who can only dream of visiting a Premier League stadia.

Of course, the FA speak about generating funds for the smaller clubs by featuring more of them in their televised live coverage of cup ties, but is that not just further pandering to the armchair viewer?

In recent years the FA Cup has been struggling to retain the prestige it has been associated with over the years, with perhaps the biggest factor being top-flight teams who persist in playing weakened teams until Wembley is within sight, something I believe they should be called to account for.

Personally, I fear the best known domestic cup competition in the world will be heading in a similar direction as the League Cup, which considering its history will be a crying shame.

However, among all the doom and gloom on social media I did stumble across a post that brought a smile to my face which latches on to the statements released by several EFL clubs about the recent announcements:

Watford will be releasing a statement as soon as someone can explain to them what a cup is

— Steven M (@sman3d) April 19, 2024

COYH

Wolves v Luton Town?