Issued by Tranmere Rovers. I am so in tune with this statement, I wish our club, as one of the smaller/ bigger clubs did something similar. Tranmere Rovers condemn the disgraceful decision taken by The FA and the Premier League to change the format of the FA Cup, including the scrapping of replays. There was no consultation with Football League clubs, National League clubs or grassroots clubs to whom the competition represents not only their best opportunity to create life-long memories for supporters but also a hugely important source of income. We also understand that FA Council members were not consulted about the changes. The decision, and the way it was taken, demonstrate a total lack of respect for the football pyramid and its fans. Football belongs to all of us and decisions should not be taken in back room deals in which only the very wealthiest clubs are allowed to participate. It is yet another eloquent example of the 19th-century governance that means that football simply cannot regulate itself and needs the Independent Football Regulator to have real teeth. We condemn the changes wholeheartedly and urge The FA to suspend them immediately until all stakeholders in the game are properly consulted.
Have to say I agree Beth Trashing years of tradition and frankly what makes English football so unique, for short term gain I notice with interest that supporters groups and clubs outside the Premier League were not invited to be part of this farcical process
The TV rights for this competition must be quite considerable. If all the clubs outside the EPL were to withdraw/not enter there would be some serious fallout.
If QPR were to suggest that we protest and refuse the enter, I would give my support, 100 %. The FA have shat on every club outside of the PL without even having a say in the matter. Every club should just have a year off and organize some friendlies encouraging every true supporter to attend in support. Meanwhile, Chelscum etc. can then have their big tv-matches against other greedy bastard clubs.
Excellent writing, Mr Collymore! (I should have read this tweet before my last post, my writing seems insignificant in comparison)
Coventry have chartered a Chiltern Line train tomorrow to get fans to Wembley. United have chartered one as well, from Reading. Sadly the competition has been dying for years. Best way to rejuvenate it is for the winner to get a CL place and runner up Europa League. Then even the big teams will want as many chances as possible to progress. But it ain’t going to happen.
FA said they’d consulted the EFL who then came out and said they hadn’t. The FA are really becoming an embarrassment. My one wish is they’d make the semis at neutral grounds again but all they care about is money.
