Starting from the next season, FA Cup replays will no longer be held as part of a six-year agreement with the Premier League.

FA Cup replays will no longer be a part of the competition starting from next season, as the Football Association (FA) and the Premier League have reached a new six-year agreement. This decision has been driven partly by the expansion of UEFA competitions and the need to alleviate fixture congestion. Additionally, fixtures will now be exclusively held on weekends.

The FA has also secured a new four-year broadcast deal with TNT Sports for the Emirates FA Cup, which will commence from the 2025/26 season. This agreement highlights the significance of the FA Cup as a major asset for English football.

Previously, the FA Cup had eliminated replays from the fifth round onwards, but now this change will be implemented earlier in the competition. This adjustment is necessary due to the ever-increasing demands on the football calendar.

In a groundbreaking move, the fourth and fifth rounds, as well as the quarter-finals, will not clash with Premier League fixtures. This ensures that both competitions can be enjoyed separately and receive the attention they deserve.

The FA Cup matches will kick off in mid-August, with League One and League Two teams entering at this stage. Championship and Premier League clubs will join from the third round. The final of the FA Cup will be held on the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season and will be given top billing. It will be played on a Saturday, independent of any Premier League matches on the same day and on the preceding Friday.

As part of this agreement, the Premier League has committed to investing an additional £33 million into grassroots football. This financial support will benefit the development of the game at the grassroots level, disability football, and the women’s and girls’ game.

Mark Bullingham, the CEO of the FA, emphasized the importance of the FA Cup and the positive impact of this agreement. He stated, “The FA Cup is our biggest asset. This new agreement between the FA and the Premier League strengthens the FA Cup and gives this very special tournament exclusive weekends in an increasingly busy calendar. We have also agreed new funding for the grassroots game, disability football, and the women’s and girls’ game. All football begins at the grassroots, and this is recognized by the Premier League with very welcome additional financial support.”

Overall, these changes to the FA Cup and the investment from the Premier League demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the competition and supporting the growth of football at all levels in England.