FA Cup to undergo major changes starting from 2024/25 season

The Football Association has made a groundbreaking announcement regarding the future of the FA Cup, with significant changes set to take effect from the 2024/25 season. The most notable change is the elimination of replays from the first round proper, a move that is sure to shake up the competition.

Fans had been anticipating a shift away from replays starting from the third round, but the FA has decided to implement this change from the very beginning of the tournament. This decision is part of a larger effort to revitalize the FA Cup and make it more competitive and appealing to fans.

In addition to the removal of replays, the FA has also revealed that all matches will now be played on weekends, with the exception of the fourth round which will have a window from Friday to Wednesday. The fourth, fifth, and quarter-final stages will all have exclusive periods without Premier League games, giving the FA Cup the spotlight it deserves.

Furthermore, the FA Cup final will now be played on the Saturday of the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season, ensuring that the competition gets the attention it deserves. These scheduling changes will also see the end of the mid-season break, with a longer summer break introduced following the European Championship.

The FA’s chief executive, Mark Bullingham, expressed his excitement about the new changes, emphasizing the importance of securing a strong format for the future of the FA Cup. The agreement between the FA and the Premier League not only strengthens the competition but also provides additional funding for grassroots football and other important initiatives.

Overall, these changes are set to breathe new life into the FA Cup and ensure that the competition remains a vital part of English football for years to come. Fans are sure to be eager to see how these changes will impact the tournament and the excitement it brings to the beautiful game.