So apparently as we all know, the talk is to scrap replays, and to go straight to extra time and penalties, also being discussed is scrapping the 2 legged semi final of the League cup, and making it 1 game only. If these changes were to happen, then what the heck's the difference between both domestic cup competitions? Even now I don't see the point in having two domestic cup competitions, but at least you could point to some format differences, i.e. replays in the FA Cup, a 2 legged semi final in the league cup etc. But if all formalities are the same, then what's the point? If they want to really reduce the fixtures list, then simple, get rid of the League cup, or leave the teams in Europe out, or strictly restrict it to the reserve squad only.
This has almost nothing to do with reforming the FA cup. Bring back the old format of endless replays. Play the semis anywhere but Wembley. If teams don't want to play the first team in the cups, so be it.
I'd be in favour of keeping the FA cup format as it is, but totally agree with having the semi's away from Wembley. It really detracts from the final, by playing the semi's there. As for the league cup, either scrap it or limit it to championship and lower division teams. Keep the qualifying for Europe part as it will act as a massive incentive for some of the smaller teams to get into Europe.
The only issue I have with that is that it would reduce the country's co-efficient, and eventually probably lose a European place. Martin Samuel, who is usually a useless fat ****, very eloquently argued against giving the fourth CL spot to the cup winner on the Sunday Supplement thingy this morning.
The semi finals being at Wembley was such a disgusting money grabbing opportunity. It takes away the magic not just for the fans but for the teams to play the semi finals there.
They struggled to get the money from the banks back 15 years ago. One of the conditions was that they agreed to play the semis there for 25 years or thereabouts.
Yeah i agree. It ll be longer yhan 25 years you can bet on that. One at Old Trafford/Etihad and the other at Wembley would be better
