• All FA Cup rounds will return to weekend slots but replays will be scrapped 
• It follows UEFA's expansion of their competitions from next season 
• Liverpool have been 'hungover' since Man United dumped them out of the FA Cup - where has their energy gone? Listen to the  podcast 

English football is in uproar after the FA and Premier League struck a deal to scrap FA Cup replays.

A stunned English Football League spoke of their ‘frustration and disappointment’ at the top flight and governing body after the bombshell, historic move was announced on Thursday morning while clubs have branded it ‘a disgrace’ and called for action.

EFL chiefs say they only gave their approval on the basis that the axing of replays from the first round onwards would be part of the still-outstanding financial resettlement with the top flight. 

And furious executives have said they will now seek compensation — while clubs have claimed they only found out after the FA’s statement.

The FA said the cull, which comes with ‘up to £33million additional funding for grassroots’ were driven by the expansion to UEFA competitions. From next season, Champions League clubs will play two more group matches.

The FA added that the six-year agreement, which starts next season, will ensure all rounds are played on weekends, including the fifth round, which has taken place in midweek for the last five years.

THE KEY CHANGES 

• All rounds played on weekends
• Fourth and fifth rounds, plus quarter-finals, exclusive of Premier League games
• No replays from the first round proper onwards
• Cup final weekend on penultimate weekend of PL season
• Winter break scrapped 

Rounds four and five will be exclusive of Premier League fixtures for the first time, while the FA Cup final will take place on the penultimate weekend of the top-flight season.

While no Premier League matches will go ahead on the Friday before or the Saturday of the final, they will be played the following day. The winter break will disappear, while players will be guaranteed three weeks off in the summer.

In what rapidly developed into a seismic row, FA insiders have spoken of being ‘mystified’ at the EFL response, pointing out that the calendar was signed off by the Professional Game Board, which includes EFL chair Rick Parry, execs Peter Ridsdale (Preston), Steve Kavanagh (Millwall), and Jez Moxey (Burton).

‘It’s for the EFL to keep its clubs updated,’ a source hit back.

'I have no idea what the Premier League or the FA are even thinking pulling this move the way its unfolded today. 

 

In an explosive statement, League Two Tranmere Rovers said they ‘condemn the disgraceful decision taken by the FA and Premier League’. 

‘There was no consultation with Football League clubs, National League clubs or grassroots clubs to whom the competition represents not only their best opportunity to create life-long memories for supporters but also a hugely important source of income,’ they added. 

‘We also understand that FA Council members were not consulted about the changes.

‘The decision, and the way it was taken, demonstrate a total lack of respect for the football pyramid and its fans. Football belongs to all of us and decisions should not be taken in back room deals in which only the very wealthiest clubs are allowed to participate.’

Not all those in the EFL are likely to respond in the same way. Salford City co-owner Gary Neville said last month ‘they have to get rid of them’.

In the last 10 years 1,080 ties were played in the first to fourth round, with 228 replays (21 per cent) of which 135 were in the first two rounds. Those defending the move would point out a tiny proportion involve League One or League Two clubs playing Premier League sides in replays.

Making the announcement, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said the increased investment would ‘enhance’ the scheduling of the FA Cup, while easing fixture congestion and increase support into grassroots football.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: ‘The Emirates FA Cup is our biggest asset and generates over 60 per cent of our revenue to invest into the game, so it is critical to secure a strong format for the future. 

'This new agreement between The FA and the Premier League strengthens the Emirates FA Cup and gives this very special tournament exclusive weekends in an increasingly busy calendar.

‘The new schedule ensures the magic of the cup is protected and enhanced, whilst working for the whole of the English game. The longer summer period also allows a much-needed player break before the start of the next season.

‘We have also agreed new funding for the grassroots game, disability football, and the women’s and girls’ game. All football begins at the grassroots, and this is recognised by the Premier League with very welcome additional financial support.’

The EFL spoke of anger and frustration, adding: ‘Our domestic calendar has been put under extreme pressure by the expansion of UEFA competitions and ultimately this represents another lost traditional revenue stream for EFL clubs at a time when the financial gap between the biggest clubs and those further down the pyramid is growing bigger than ever. 

'We will now be discussing the implications for EFL clubs and seeking appropriate compensation arrangements.’