The Football Association’s recent decision to eliminate all replays from next year’s FA Cup competition has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the democratic spirit of the tournament. Port Vale reporter Mike Stubbs delves into why this move is considered by many as shameful and how it might inadvertently bolster the argument for greater regulation.
The Decision to Scrap Replays: The FA Cup, the oldest football competition in the world, has long been cherished for its unpredictability, giant-killing moments, and the chance for lower-league clubs to face off against top-tier giants. However, the decision to abolish replays from the first round onwards has left many stakeholders disappointed. Here are the key points:
Lack of Consultation:
- The decision appears to have been made behind closed doors without meaningful consultation with clubs outside the Premier League.
- Port Vale, for instance, expressed that the decision was “completely unacceptable, and encouraging proper consultation to take place with all stakeholders to make sure the FA Cup stays connected to its Clubs, Supporters and Community.”
Impact on Smaller Clubs:
- Replays have historically been a lifeline for smaller clubs, providing additional revenue and exposure.
- Congleton Town were swift to release a statement highlighting the new format would only “benefit the elite clubs and maximise their profits”.
- While some argue that replays can be major revenue earners for lower-league teams, to offer a little balance, some sources challenge this view. Attendance figures for early-round replays have been modest, suggesting limited financial benefits.
Fixture Congestion and UEFA’s Influence:
- The expanded UEFA Champions League schedule has intensified fixture congestion.
- Even though Premier League teams don’t participate in the initial FA Cup rounds, scrapping replays was, allegedly, “deemed necessary for overall consistency and to help resolve congestion issues for English Football League (EFL) clubs and those lower down the pyramid”.
Strengthening the Case for Regulation: The decision to remove replays inadvertently strengthens the argument for regulatory intervention:
Power Imbalance:
- The FA Cup’s allure lies in its inclusivity, where David can occasionally defeat Goliath. Scrapping replays tilts the balance further toward Premier League clubs.
- A regulator could address this power imbalance and ensure fair representation across the football pyramid.
Transparency and Accountability:
- The lack of consultation highlights a need for transparency and accountability.
- A regulator could enforce better communication and decision-making processes, involving all stakeholders.
Preserving Tradition:
- The FA Cup’s magic lies in its traditions, including replays. Removing them risks diluting the essence of the competition.
- A regulator could safeguard these traditions and prevent hasty decisions.
As the Port Vale Statement points out, “In 1996, Ian Bogie’s 90th-minute equaliser earned the Valiants a draw at Goodison Park away to then-cup holders Everton and forced a replay at Vale Park. What would happen in the return fixture would go down in Vale folklore and was only achievable through the hard work of John Rudge’s side across both fixtures.”
Many will remember Hereford beating Newcastle United 2-1 in the Seventies, and more recently, Tranmere beating Southampton in 2001 and Barnsley beating Manchester United in 1998’s FA Cup, all of those victories were via replays. I’ll certainly try and steer clear of a Potteries Derby that was settled on a wet night in Burslem too!
In conclusion, the FA’s decision to eliminate FA Cup replays without broader engagement is indeed shameful. It underscores the need for a regulator to curb the powers of both the Premier League and the Football Association, ensuring a more democratic and balanced football landscape. While change is inevitable, it should be guided by fairness and respect for the game’s heritage.
