This is it. Its not just 'the magic of the FA Cup', its a lifeline for some clubs. They need to stop ****ing about with it and recognise what huge importance it has for the whole pyramid.
And it's not just the loss of revenue from replays that is the issue. Its the lack of respect for the competition from the Premier League clubs. Much of the income that non-league clubs get from the FA Cup is in prize money for progressing through the rounds. If the Premier League clubs don't respect the competition, it becomes devalued and so it can (I'd imagine) generate less income from sponsorship. It's disgraceful. I'll get down off me high horse in a minute.
I have worked closely with my county FA for years now. I would normally defend the organisation as they do a hell of a lot of good things despite the premier leagues power. However in this case I cannot defend them. This is a poor decision. I have no issue with trying to reduce fixture lists, it is probably needed. But not at the expense of what should be the centre piece of the english game. It even sickens me to think it is not the final game of the season, the premier league get to revel in that too. Anyway, I wrote to my county FA last night to express my anger. Not in any official capacity for a club, but as a local FA supporter who has given loads of my time to work with them on their football development strategies locally and nationally over the last 15 years or so. Only a couple of months ago I was with them developing the national strategy for game growth at grassroots and non league level. This was not even a discussion point. The ripple effect this will have, down to young kids not having access to the game, is frightening. There are some brilliant folk working for The FA. The passion they have for our game is unreal. All they want is for the game to be a national treasure with access to it for everyone who wants it. I have no doubt a lot of those folk are as sick as we all are at this. There you are after all, a little defence of some of the FA.
Interesting from the Cray Valley Paper Mills chairman saying they got requests for shirts from all round the world on the back of their replay with Charlton. It's about more than the actual match. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.com/sport/football/68851138.amp
I dont the statement itself is too bad. At least they are confronting the issue of consultation and approval. How much influence non league sides have in that governance structure is questionable and maybe that is something to look at. Interesting the statement refers to only one season and it will be kept under review. Lets see. This may well be part of a bigger play around the funding settlement and upcoming regulation. Never underestimate the politics of football governance.
I think the statement is very poor. Clearly the EFL/Non League clubs haven't been consulted considering the statements many clubs have put out against the changes. This will destroy many clubs and is destroying the competition more than it already has. I really dislike the FA, especially my local FAs. Think they bring nothing to the table compared to FAs in other countries. Some clubs don't have time to wait and see. Clubs rely on competitions such as the FA cup and if one goes out of business this year because of these changes then the FA have blood on their hands. Not like they'll care.
All championship clubs downwards should refuse to play any premiership clubs if they get drawn against them, if they get fined refuse to pay it, see what happens next.
They have representatives of the EFL and National leagues on the boards that were consulted. Those reps are their to do right by all member clubs. Sounds like clubs dont understand the process to me. The FA cant talk to every single one of them. I bet Rick Parry was involved, and I have heard nowt from him so far. Clubs need to go to him in my opinion, and the other EFL reps if they are unhappy, which of course they are right to be.
Civil war. No winners here. Who is right on the consultation, The FA or the EFL. Somebody is being creative with the truth somewhere.
