FA CUP third and fourth round replays could be scrapped in a bid to stop this season’s fixture pile-up
PA claims footy chiefs are examining ways to avoid a gruelling schedule after last weekend’s Premier League games were axed following the Queen’s death.
Clubs are already having to contend with a bumper fixture list ahead of the World Cup this winter.
And more fixtures this weekend, including Chelsea vs Liverpool, have been called off ahead of the Queen’s funeral on Monday.
It now leaves footy chiefs scrambling to find new dates at a later point in the season.
And one solution is to cut replays in the FA Cup third and fourth rounds.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
They were scrapped the last two seasons following the backlog from Covid.
And teams could now be set for more extra-time with penalties in the tournament this term.
As well as Liverpool vs Chelsea, Brighton vs Crystal Palace and Man Utd vs Leeds are also not going ahead this weekend.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s Europa League clash against PSV Eindhoven on Thursday has been postponed.
Most read in FA Cup
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
And with an international break to follow, it means some teams won’t be in league action until October.
Regarding this weekend’s suspended action, the Premier League said: ‘Following extensive consultation with clubs, police, local Safety Advisory Groups and other relevant authorities, there was no other option but to postpone the three fixtures.
“The Premier League would like to thank the UK Football Policing Unit and other police forces across the country, as well as our broadcast partners, for their support during this process, and will continue to liaise with them ahead of the weekend.
“For the matches being played during the period of national mourning, tributes will be paid to the Queen at Premier League stadiums.
“New dates for the postponed matches will be announced in due course.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
