Decision to scrap Cup replays is ‘short-sighted and misguided’

“The move is yet another example why football needs a strong and independent regulator that can ensure the financial future of our game and control the rampant self-interest of the fat cats at the top of the Premier League.”

Niall Couper, Fair Game CEO

19 April 2024, LONDON, UK - Responding to the deal by the Premier League and the FA to cut FA Cup replays from the first-round onwards, Fair Game’s Chief Executive Niall Couper said:

“At Fair Game, our clubs have been emailing, calling and texting in universal disgust.

“This short-sighted and misguided decision is not about the hard-working community football clubs up and down the country. It is not about the wishes of the fans. And it is not about the romance and magic of the FA Cup.

“This is all about the elite clubs protecting their own narrow self-interest. EFL and National League clubs were not consulted.

“The move is yet another example why football needs a strong and independent regulator that can ensure the financial future of our game and control the rampant self-interest of the fat cats at the top of the Premier League.

“Scrapping FA Cup replays from the first round proper deprives lower league clubs of a much-needed source of revenue. It does nothing to strengthen the game and is another nail in the coffin for the already crumbling football pyramid.

“It is now up to our politicians to act and strenghten the incoming Football Governance Bill so that it delivers on its No 1 objective: to protect the financial sustainability of the pyramid.”