FA Cup: Everything You Need to Know About Changes Set to Take Place from Next Season

• Football lovers can expect wholesome changes to the FA Cup from next season
• One big change is the scrapping of FA Cup replays from the first round onwards
• There is also a notable change in the date on which FA Cup matches are played

England’s oldest competition, the FA Cup, will experience a considerable number of changes from the 2024/25 season.

It was announced on Thursday, April 18, that the changes were part of a six-year agreement between the Premier League and the English FA in a bid to streamline the football calendar.

But what is set to be different? Sports Brief now takes a look at some of the expected changes to the competition.

No replays from the first round

Previously, clubs were subjected to FA Cup replays until the fifth round.

Which are the all time biggest football rivalries in the UK?

Football

However, the FA intends to scrap replays from the first round, meaning ties will have to be decided by extra time or a penalty shootout from much earlier in the competition.

According to the Independent, the decision to scrap replays has not been welcomed by the EFL, who are now seeking compensation for its clubs.

“This is frustrating and disappointing given that the calendar is a shared asset across football, and as we have consistently said, a whole-game approach is required to find solutions to complex fixture scheduling challenges,” EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said.

No mid-season break

According to The Mirror, the Premier League mid-season break has also been scrapped, with the season set to start later to give players ample time to rest and recover in the summer.

This decision was reportedly arrived at after expert advice from medical and technical departments.

How long is a basketball match? Duration, match facts, and all the details

NBA

Outgoing Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was a strong advocate for a short break in the winter, but that will no longer be the case.

All FA Cup rounds to be played on weekends

Another notable change is the FA Cup fixtures will all be played over the weekends.

For the past five seasons, the FA Cup fifth round has been played in midweek, but this is set to end.

Funding to be increased to support grassroots game

According to the Premier League website, from the 2025/26 season, £133million per season will be allocated to all levels of men’s and women’s football to enhance the game from the grassroots level.

Why the changes?

The Premier League and FA Cup agreed on the changes on several grounds.

One of the biggest factors in scrapping replays was to accommodate the growing number of games in European competitions.

The UEFA Champions League is set to have participating teams in the group stage increase from 32 to 36 from next season, while FIFA announced an expanded 32-team Club World Cup for 2025.

Where to watch the FIFA World Cup in 2022: A guide on how to watch this year’s World Cup

Football

Since the launch of the Europa Conference League in 2021, more teams in England’s domestic league have had European commitments.

How Chelsea benefited from Arsenal elimination

Sports Brief also reported on how Chelsea benefited from Arsenal’s elimination from the Champions League.

Arsenal's elimination last night means the Blues will be the only London club participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Meanwhile, the FA Cup remains Chelsea’s best chance of European football next season as a win will send them straight to the UEFA Europa League.