Replays in the FA Cup scrapped from next season. It removes a big money-maker for smaller clubs
FILE - The FA Cup trophy is seen before the English FA Cup final soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, June 3, 2023. FA Cup replays have for so long been a big money-maker for lower-division teams in English soccer but they are being scrapped from next season. Organizers are citing “expanded UEFA competitions” as a reason for the move. (AP Photo/Jon Super, File)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jon Super]
FA Cup replays have long been a big money-maker and potential lifeline for lower-division teams in English soccer but they are being scrapped from next season. Organizers are citing “expanded UEFA competitions” as a reason for the move. Earning gate receipts and broadcast revenue from an extra game especially against a top Premier League team can be a game-changer for smaller clubs. Space on domestic soccer calendars is increasingly tight. It will be even more so from next season when there’s an extra 64 games in an expanded Champions League and four extra midweeks during the season for European games.
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FILE - Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan, center, holds up the winners trophy as he celebrates with teammates winning the English FA Cup final soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, June 3, 2023. FA Cup replays have for so long been a big money-maker for lower-division teams in English soccer but they are being scrapped from next season. Organizers are citing “expanded UEFA competitions” as a reason for the move. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson, File)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Dave Thompson