EFL to seek compensation over ‘frustrating and disappointing’ FA Cup changes
The EFL will seek compensation following the 'frustrating and disappointing' decision to scrap FA Cup replays.
The FA and Premier League announced the decision on Thursday with no matches beyond the first-round proper to have replays from next season.
This announcement came alongside the decision to reschedule the FA Cup final and to scrap the Premier League's winter break.
FA Cup replays are a huge source of media exposure for clubs in the EFL, not to mention a sometimes crucial source of income.
Responding to the news, EFL chief executive Trevor Birch came out fighting.
He said: “The EFL notes today’s joint announcement from the FA and Premier League regarding the removal of FA Cup replays and wider calendar changes.
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“Whilst the league had previously been involved in discussions over the future of the calendar, these were predicated on the agreement of a new financial deal with the Premier League for EFL Clubs which has not progressed.
“This is frustrating and disappointing given the calendar is a shared asset across football and as we have consistently said a while game approach is required to find solutions to complex fixture scheduling challenges.
“Our domestic calendar has been put under extreme pressure by the expansion of UEFA competitions and ultimately this represents another traditional revenue stream for EFL clubs at a time when the financial gap between the biggest clubs and those further down the pyramid is growing bigger than ever.
“We will now be discussing the implications for EFL clubs and seeking appropriate compensation arrangements.”
