FA Cup Replays Scrapped in Major Schedule Overhaul

Starting from the 2024-25 competition, FA Cup replays will be eliminated from the first round onward and all rounds will be scheduled on weekends. This change is part of a new six-year agreement between the Football Association (FA) and the Premier League which also includes the removal of the Premier League mid-season break. The decision to scrap replays from the first round has drawn criticism from the EFL which will seek compensation for the loss of revenue.

Other modifications include aligning the fourth and fifth rounds and the quarter-finals with non-Premier League fixtures and moving the FA Cup final to the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season. Additionally, the Premier League will increase funding to grassroots football. Some in the football community have voiced concerns about the changes arguing that they prioritize the interests of larger clubs and deprive lower league teams of crucial revenue.