PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are reportedly considering plans to SCRAP replays in the FA Cup.
This idea forms part of a “New Deal for Football”, which could also see sides play U21 sides in the Carabao Cup.
The Times claims the proposals are at the heart of talks at Wednesday’s Premier League shareholders’ meeting.
Discussions will take place over ideas to potentially deliver £250million in extra funds to the EFL while also reforming parachute payments.
And one proposal is to permanently cut FA Cup replays in the third and fourth rounds from 2024.
This would see those games go straight to penalty shoot-outs – therefore providing lower league sides with a greater opportunity of progressing past top-flight clubs.
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It would also help free up space in the calendar for Premier League outfits.
But the FA must first give their blessing before any reform goes ahead.
Third and fourth round replays have already been axed for the past two years following the backlog from Covid.
And they could yet be cut again this year to stop a fixture pile-up after games were postponed in the wake of the Queen’s death.
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As for the Carabao Cup, teams playing in Europe could field their U21s in a bid to freshen up the competition – or even withdraw entirely.
Top-flight sides are happy for the Cup not to be scrapped, and they will also not force FA Cup games to only go ahead in midweek.
The ideas all come after the government warned the Premier League must provide a major cash injection for the EFL with a new deal – or else be forced to do so.
New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has already had his say on how to provide funds for the football pyramid.
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Boehly has suggested hosting an annual North vs South All-Star match.
However, the American’s idea has been met by a host of ridicule from doubters.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
