“Only goes to protect the minority” – Port Vale statement condemns Premier League driven changes to the FA Cup
Port Vale FC has joined the chorus of disapproval after changes to the 152 year-old FA Cup competition were announced yesterday. Heralded as “a strong format for the future” by the FA, the changes have been slammed by multiple clubs and organisation after it was revealed the changes were part of a deal with the Premier League.
The changes controversially include an end to all replays from the first round proper stage onwards and an earlier date for the traditional end-of-season FA Cup final.
The move means an extended summer break for the Premier League who have had to cram more lucrative European fixtures into their season.
As a result have agreed to provide an extra £33m per year to support the grassroots game (read into that what you will).
Related links
- “The dreams of so many should not be denied by so few” – Premier League led FA Cup changes prompt a furious response
- FA accepts £33m from Premier League and agrees to scrap FA Cup replays
Are you upset with the FA Cup changes? Sign this petition
A club statement from Port Vale FC joins the criticism. It says:
Port Vale Football Club would like to make the following statement regarding the changes in format to the FA Cup made by The FA and the Premier League:
More than 700 teams take part in the FA Cup each year, it is the oldest club competition in the world and everyone connected to football in any capacity has their own story and connection to it.
A decision made will now impact the competition and the wider football community, it is completely unacceptable that this has been allowed to happen with little discussion with the Football League, National League or any grassroots member club.
In 1996, Ian Bogie’s 90th-minute equaliser earned the Valiants a draw at Goodison Park away to then-cup holders Everton and forced a replay at Vale Park. What would happen in the return fixture would go down in Vale folklore and was only achievable through the hard work of John Rudge’s side across both fixtures.
Removing replays removes the ability to create history, excitement and also potential and much-needed revenue up and down the football pyramid and only goes to protect the minority.
The way that this decision has been reached is disappointing and goes against the FA’s slogan of “Football for All”. We would encourage proper consultation to take place with all stakeholders to make sure the FA Cup stays connected to its Clubs, Supporters and Community.
Albert Potter.
19th April 2024 @ 1:48 pm
Poorly thought out decision by The FA.The fierce backlash this will surely cause will have to make the FA think again!
Denis Barlow
19th April 2024 @ 3:02 pm
Mushroom management, why were so many League clubs unaware of it?
Ian Mcewen
19th April 2024 @ 5:37 pm
I totally disagree with the decision to do a way with replays. For some(smaller clubs) it’s a much needed boost the clubs finances.
This is being done for a minority of Premier League clubs who have to play in European matches and earn mega bucks. It’s time to think of the lower leagues and not the Premier league. The money offered to grassroots football is a pittance in relation to Premier League monies. I am disgusted with this decision.
RON
19th April 2024 @ 6:39 pm
The FA are a disgrace as soon as the Premier League dangle money in front of them they do their bidding just think of the cup shocks that wouldn’t have happened if this ridiculous arrangement had been around then they should hang their heads in shame
Warren Park
19th April 2024 @ 9:42 pm
I once tried to leave a comment on the FA website on a matter. There isn’t any facility to do so. The FA doesn’t welcome people’s views on anything. That said I’m not accusing it of being an irregular organisation. They obviously have an issue with too many games being played by top players and including international games. The likely impact on this is something like if we draw Man Utd at home in round 3 of the FA Cup in 2024/25 then surely the only logical action is to agree to play at Old Trafford. The counter argument is that may have happened anyway.
NWLV
20th April 2024 @ 9:39 am
They where talking about teams playing in European competitions to ease the burdon on clubs playing so many games,bull**it,when did the likes of Vale, Truro City,Farsley Celtic Etc play in European competitions, looking out for top flight clubs AGAIN
mark
20th April 2024 @ 10:32 am
but stops teams playing for draw this should be stopped. even in league teams play draw so boring
this should then be decided on penalties. no more boring nil nil games
Ken Thorpe
21st April 2024 @ 10:19 am
It’s about time all the clubs in the EFL and lower leagues got together and took a vote of no confidence in the FA. Money and selfish Premier League Clubs are ripping the heart out of football in this country and making it unaffordable for too many people. The sooner the European Super League takes off (and it will) the better.