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    Nottingham Forest at WAR with Premier League and FA as they demand VAR audio is made public after incredible statement

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    NOTTINGHAM FOREST are at war with the Prem, the FA AND PGMOL.An astonishing day of claim and counter-claim over the fall-out from Sunday’s defeat at Everton saw:Nottingham Forest were left furious after their loss to Everton on SundayCredit: Getty*Forest demand the public release of the conversations between ref Anthony Taylor and VAR Stuart Attwell*The FA announce they wanted urgent explanations from Nuno Espirito Santo, Neco William and ex-Prem whistler Mark Clattenburg*Forest then repeating allegations that refs’ chief Howard Webb was asked to take Luton fan Attwell off VAR duties for Sunday’s contentious Goodison clash before suggesting their “fears of a sideshow” had come true*Prem chiefs then signalling they will bring their OWN charges against Forest for the incendiary outing of Attwell as a Hatters supporter and implying he was biased against them.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt left tension between the club and the authorities at boiling point with a series of statements issued cranking up the heat.Forest remain furious over the three penalty decisions that went against them in the relegation six-pointer while  Webb is insistent the central claim that he was asked to take Attwell OFF the match is simply untrue.Webb’s position is that, while he did receive a call from Clattenburg on Friday, it was to inform him that Forest thought Espirito Santo might be asked about Attwell’s appointment as VAR in his pre-match news conference.Managers and players have been warned that ANY pre-match comments about officials is an offence, although the question was then not asked.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Webb is adamant that Clattenburg categorically did not ask for the appointment to be changed and that Forest said they had no problem with it.Forest raised the temperature as they made their demand for the audio recordings of conversations between Attwell and ref Anthony Taylor to be played out on TV.Alan Shearer in X-rated rant against ’embarrassing’ Nottingham Forest statement which cult hero ‘thought was a parody’A club spokesman said: “Nottingham Forest has today submitted a formal request to the PGMOL to release into the public domain the audio recordings between officials during yesterday’s match against Everton at Goodison Park. “The club has requested this be shared for three key match incidents – Ashley Young’s challenge on Giovanni Reyna (24th minute), Ashley Young’s handball (44th minute) and Ashley Young’s challenge on Callum Hudson-Odoi (56th minute).“We firmly advocate for the broader football community and supporters to have access to the audio and transcript for full transparency, ensuring the integrity of our sport is upheld.”Young added another layer when he posted an image of Justin Timberlake’s 2002 song “Cry Me a River”, adding the caption “Old Skool Tunes for Today” accompanied by two winking face emojis.Soon after the Forest statement, the FA said it had “formally requested observations” from Forest, Espirito Santo, Williams and Clattenburg into their public comments.Espirito Santo’s interviews included him saying “it’s been clear what has been happening to us”  and suggesting “if we were in another country, we will start speaking about conspiracy” while Williams claimed:  “The top six teams will get decisions and we won’t.”Then the Prem issued its own statement, saying it was “extremely disappointed” with Forest’s comments and adding: “It is never appropriate to improperly question the integrity of match officials, and the nature of these comments means the Premier League will also be investigating the matter in relation to the League’s Rules.”Forest could be charged under Prem Rules B.15 and B.16.Forest have demanded the VAR audio from three incidents at Goodison ParkCredit: RexThey demand that club officials act “with utmost good faith” to the League and that every club must “conduct itself in an abusive, derogatory, insulting, intimidating or offensive manner towards any (other) Club or the League”.Yet that only sparked a further response from Forest who doubled down on Sunday’s initial post-match statement.The club said: “This was an issue we raised with PGMOL prior to the fixture because of the fear of the side show that would ensue if anything went wrong with officiating in the game.“That fear has materialised, as the correctness of three important decisions against the Club have been called into doubt.”Forest made a partial climbdown as the club added: “This is not about individuals but rather how the integrity of the game is seen.“We know match officials do not allow outside factors to influence their decision-making and that all referees are required to declare their ‘allegiances’ to PGMOL to avoid any perceived conflict or harm to the game’s reputation for integrity.“However, it is clear PGMOL must amend its rule on allegiances to account for contextual rivalries in the league table, not just local rivalries.“This is currently not within the criteria but should be. Mere reliance on match officials to recuse themselves if contextual rivalries exist invites conjecture, as some have recused themselves where others have not.”The FA want an explanation from Forest referee analyst Mark Clattenburg for his commentsCredit: PAWhile Attwell is a Luton fan, he, along with all over referees and officials must declare his club allegiance each season, meaning he will not be assigned to Hatters’ games or certain other matches involving direct local rivals.Even the affiliation of a referee’s family can be enough to prevent them being appointed to matches involving certain teams.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt has been noted, however, that Luton’s cause in terms of avoiding the drop would actually have been better served by the match at Goodison finishing as a draw, as it would have kept the Bedfordshire side close to both clubs at the foot of the table.And while Forest insisted the club  only wanted “greater transparency” over ref appointments and that, given a season of controversy “any move which boosts confidence in the system should be properly considered” the outcome is almost certain to be an extremely expensive one. 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      The FA have long been a disgrace to the game, but scrapping cup replays should be final nail in the coffin

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      THE FA have long been a disgrace to our national game.And their announcement last week about scrapping FA Cup replays from the first round should be the final nail in their coffin of integrity.The decision to scrap FA Cup replays only profits Premier League clubs playing in EuropeCredit: ReutersThe FA are letting the prestigious competition downCredit: PAThe football regulator cannot come soon enough to take control away from these hapless men in grey blazers.How the hell can this organisation make such a sweeping change to the oldest domestic cup competition in the world without consulting 712 of the 732 clubs that entered it this season?They did not discuss it with the EFL, they didn’t mention it to the National League or any of the grassroots divisions.They simply dictated to them: Our entire game must revolve around the Premier League.Read More on FootballAnd let’s face it, this decision is only about pleasing the SEVEN clubs who play in Europe.It’s ironic when you think that the glory that Sir Alex Ferguson delivered to Manchester United might well never have happened had it not been for cup replays.Coventry boss Mark Robins scored a winner in a semi-final replay against Oldham in 1990 that saved him from being sacked.And Fergie’s first trophy was also won after they beat Crystal Palace following a replay in the final that year.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe FA Cup is a crown jewel of our football heritage and the blazers at Wembley are happy to further damage this wonderful competition.Let’s not forget it wasn’t long ago that these same idiots wanted to sell our national stadium to Fulham owner Shahid Khan. They actually were going to do that had it not been for a huge stink-up.Thiago Silva breaks down in tears on Wembley pitch after Blues crumble against Man CiyuTimes have changed in terms of the amount of games the elite clubs play in Europe – but that doesn’t mean we should be watering down our flagship competition to accommodate that.When the FA scrapped replays from the fifth round, it was a fair compromise. It allowed the smaller clubs the chance to force a replay and generate much-needed revenue.Given that the FA don’t allow these clubs to switch home ties to their opponents’ bigger stadiums anymore, it’s a massive deal for a Sutton United or Boreham Wood snatching a draw at home against someone like Man Utd or Arsenal.When Cambridge United earned a replay against the Red Devils in 2015, it saved the club from financial meltdownThe FA blame the expanding European tournaments that are adding to the fixtures.But it always amazes me when I hear people like Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola whinge about the schedule.FIXTURE CONGESTION MYTHCity will finish this season having played 59 games in all competition – and we all have to get the violins out.But what about League One club Peterborough United who could end their campaign having played SIXTY-FOUR? I never hear Posh boss Darren Ferguson complaining about that.Nor did I ever once hear George Elokobi complain about his FA Cup giantkillers Maidstone United having to play SIXTY games so far. If the National League South side reach their division’s play-off final, they will have ended up playing SIXTY-THREE matches!And most of their players have to do a five-day week of work on top of their football too!This contrasts hugely with say the Premier League’s bottom club Sheffield United, who will finish their miserable season having played only 41 games in all competitions.It is a huge myth that the FA Cup adds a huge burden to clubs’ fixtures.ALL ABOUT THE MONEYThe real reason why the top seven in particular don’t want to play the extra games is purely finance. Don’t let them fool you otherwise.West Ham for example won more money for topping their group in the Europa Conference League last season than what Manchester City won for lifting the FA Cup.If the cup paid out more than European football, they would instead be complaining about the expanding UEFA competitions.It is bad enough that most of these clubs don’t bother playing pre-season friendlies anymore against the lower-league teams, preferring instead to push their brands across other continents so they can get richer and richer.Personally, I’d love it if a football regulator had the power to kick the likes of United, City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal out of English football completely.And I’d enjoy it even more if they force them to play ALL their games outside the country in their much-wanted breakaway European Super League.Never in the long and proud history of English football have our top clubs been so out of touch with the heartbeat of the game in our country.READ MORE SUN STORIESEnough is enough. Football must be regulated because the whole way the game is run here is rotten to its core.And those in power at the FA should be booted into row Z once and for all. More

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      Clubs threatening to BOYCOTT FA Cup in protest after replays axed as Government wades into row

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      CLUBS are threatening to boycott the FA Cup after the FA axed replays.On Thursday, it was announced that replays were being scrapped along with other changes.Clubs are threatening to boycott the FA CupCredit: PAA spokesman for Rishi Sunak has demanded to know why the changes have been madeCredit: AlamyThe FA also confirmed that the mid-season break would be removed and a £33million increase in funding for grassroots football.There has been a huge amount of backlash to the decision to dump replays as it could affect potential revenue for lower league clubs.It now appears that a number of EFL and National League clubs are threatening to boycott the competition next season.A number of EFL sides have issued statements condemning the changes made by the FA and Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTranmere Rovers chairman Mark Palios has suggested he would be willing to back a boycott.He told the Telegraph: “There needs to be further debate.”But if that was the situation that most of the clubs felt that way, I’d support it.”His comments came after Accrington Stanley’s chairman Andy Holt posted on social media.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “I would support a boycott if enough clubs feel the same.”Traditionally replays have taken place until the fourth round if a match ends in a draw.Huge changes being made to English football schedule next seasonHowever, the changes will see all first-round and onward matches go to extra-time and penalties if no winner can be found before the 90th minute.Leading Government figures have also waded in on the controversial matter.A spokesman for the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said: “David and Goliath fixtures are a part of the magic of the Cup.”We know that replays have been a welcome source of income for smaller clubs throughout the years.”These are, however, decisions for the footballing authorities.”But clearly it’s incumbent on the FA and Premier League to explain this decision and why it is in the interests of fans.”Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer slammed the decision as “wrong” and said that replays are “part of the tradition of the FA Cup”.Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here. More

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      Fuming EFL claim they had no say in abolition of FA Cup replays as they blast FA and Premier League in damning statement

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      THE EFL have blasted the Premier League and FA over the revamping of the FA Cup and Premier League season schedules. On Thursday the FA announced FA Cup replays were being scrapped along with other changes including the removal of the mid-season break and a £33million increase in funding for grassroots football.EFL bosses have slammed the FA and Premier League for the changes announced yesterdayCredit: GettyThey accused football bosses of not consulting themCredit: APHowever, after furious backlash from fans, the EFL have joined the chorus of dissent against the decision.In a statement released today, the fuming EFL said there had been no agreement between it and the FA and Premier League over the changes which will come into play from next season.A statement said: “The EFL wishes to clarify further its position in respect of yesterday’s Premier League and Football Association bi-lateral announcement over the removal of FA Cup replays and the role of the League’s representatives on the Professional Game Board (PGB). “The agreement which now sees the abolition of replays from the competition format was agreed solely between the Premier League and FA.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Ahead of the deal being announced there was no agreement with the EFL nor was there any formal consultation with EFL clubs as members of the FA and participants in the competition.”The statement continued: “In September 2023, the EFL did initially discuss with clubs potential changes to the FA Cup format but only as part of a wider and more fundamental change to financial distributions. “As is now clear, there has been no movement in this area since September.”This latest agreement between the Premier League and the FA, in the absence of financial reform, is just a further example of how the EFL and its clubs are being marginalised in favour of others further up the pyramid and that only serves to threaten the future of the English game.  Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The EFL today calls on both the Premier League and the FA, as the Governing body, to re-evaluate their approach to their footballing partnership with the EFL and engage more collaboratively on issues directly affecting our clubs.”The EFL statement concluded: “A separate issue is the role of the EFL representatives on the Professional Game Board (PGB) in agreeing to the 2024/25 overall fixture calendar. FA Cup semi-final draw CONFIRMED as Man Utd, Chelsea, Coventry and Man City find out their fate”PGB is there to make technical decisions across the game as opposed to key policy decisions such as competition changes or formats.”Any decisions taken on the calendar involving EFL representatives are in no way an endorsement of the joint deal agreed between the FA and Premier League that imposes changes to the FA Cup competition format in isolation.”As part of the discussions the EFL representatives did challenge the position and were told that clubs would be comfortable with no replays. “They were effectively advised that, as a result, of it being an FA competition, the fixture list needed to be agreed as presented. “It is also important to note that this matter was not discussed by the FA Cup committee, a separate group that oversees the competition across the professional and national game.”The official FA Cup account received a ‘community note’ against it’s announcementThe FA were hit with a “community note” – a feature on X, formerly Twitter, to fact check claims made on the site – which said: “To suggest that the revised format ‘strengthens the format’ of the FA Cup is fundamentally untrue.”The decision to remove FA Cup replays deprives lower league clubs of crucial revenue and has been taken without consulting EFL or non-league clubs. The £33m is inadequate.”The changes to the English game will run for six years.In response to the backlash the FA Cup released a statement of its own earlier today.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s own statement tried to reduce fears of lower league teams regarding the financial impact of the changes by pointing out that more games would be shown on TV in earlier rounds and would therefore guarantee additional broadcast revenue.However, the statement neglected to mention many FA Cup games are moving away from terrestrial television and to subscription service TNT Sports from 2025/26.Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here. More

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      Never-before-seen FA Cup rule change proposed as footie bosses battle huge backlash to controversial replay decision

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      EFL chiefs will demand a change in the FA Cup prize fund after being left out of the decision to scrap replays.And a significant number of club bosses want EFL and non-league teams to have the right to decide whether to switch venues if they are drawn at home to Prem sides.EFL clubs are hoping to take action following the scrapping of FA Cup replaysCredit: RexClub chiefs in the lower three divisions are furious at claims they were part of the process that led to Thursday’s announcement, which came during an EFL board meeting.The EFL does have three representatives on the Professional Game Board, which agreed the proposed FA Cup changes and other parts of a revised fixtures calendar.But senior EFL representatives insist the ending of replays was effectively sprung on them at the end of a virtual meeting of the PGB two weeks ago.It is understood that EFL chief Rick Parry made the point that he had not been consulted – although it is recognised the prospect of replays being scrapped has been a discussion point for two or more seasons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEFL bosses are adamant there was not a formal vote at either the PGB meeting or the subsequent FA Council gathering where the decision was effectively ratified.And while there is a reluctant acceptance that the announcement effectively means the EFL clubs have been left with no option, that does not mean they will roll over.That, though, is extremely unlikely to see the “aggrieved” EFL clubs refuse to take part in the FA Cup in protest.Doing so would be a breach of the current tri-partite agreement between the FA, Prem and EFL.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhy FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here.

      It includes an undertaking by the Premier League sides that they will take part in the Carabao Cup which is a huge money earner for the 72 clubs.Senior EFL figures recognise that breaking the agreement would give the Premier League sides the opportunity to pull out of the competition and therefore wreck a major financial stream.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotBut EFL clubs are likely to demand a change on the prize money structure so that it is weighted more towards the earlier rounds of the competition.One well-placed source said: “It’s the lack of proper consultation on this that has caused the most anger.“The reality is that the EFL is outnumbered on these committees and sometimes we think our voice simply doesn’t count.“Realistically we have to fight a battle we can win and one of those is about prize money and how it is distributed because if we do not have replays and that income, it has to be made up in another way.“The other thing that has to be discussed now is whether clubs should have the right to change the venue if they are drawn at home to a Premier League club.“That was allowed a few years ago before it was stopped but many people think it has to be back on the agenda now.”The latest development came as football lobbying group The People’s FA slammed the decision to scrap replays as a further erosion of the game.Co-chair and former Charlton player Mickey Ambrose said: “Once again, our weak governing body is pandering to the needs of the Premier League.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAmbrose has now organised a petition he hopes will be signed by all 92 clubs across the top four divisions to then be sent to FA chairman Prince William.He added: “Once again this proves the FA is not fit for purpose and needs to be reformed.”The FA have received huge backlash on their decisionCredit: PA More

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      FA Cup confirm major broadcasting change as they respond to furious backlash from EFL clubs and Number 10 wades in

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      THE FA have announced a major broadcasting change in response to the backlash from EFL clubs.Teams outside the Premier League were left furious on Thursday after the latest changes to the competition.The FA have announced a major broadcasting change to the FA CupCredit: APFrom next season, replays will be scrapped from the first round onwards following a deal between the FA and Premier League.The decision was met with criticism from supporters and lower league clubs with concerns over the financial impacts of the decision.Number 10 has also waded into the row.The FA have now confirmed that more matches from the earlier rounds will be broadcast live on TV as a result.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn a statement, they said: “To clarify, we have also increased the number of Emirates FA Cup matches that will be broadcast in the early rounds, which will lead to additional guaranteed broadcast revenue for EFL and National League teams.”Additionally, we review the prize money annually for the competition, together with representatives from the EFL and PL and will do the same for the 2024-25 season.”Additional changes will see the fourth and fifth rounds, as well as the quarter-finals, played without clashing with Premier League matches.Meanwhile, the fourth round will be played in an extended window from Friday to Wednesday and the final has been moved to the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season.Most read in FootballThe statement continues: “The calendar for next season was approved by the Professional Game Board, which consists of four EFL representatives and four Premier League representatives, last month, and then by the FA Board, which includes Premier League, EFL, National Game and grassroots representation.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhy FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here.

      “This is the process we undergo every year to approve the calendar.”We understand the concerns expressed over the last 24 hours, and we will be sharing more details with clubs very shortly to explain the additional revenue opportunities in the early rounds.Chris Wilder leads furious backlash to FA Cup replays being scrapped as fans urged to protest at ‘ridiculous’ decision”We will keep this under review as the new calendar begins to ensure that EFL and National League clubs do not lose out.”Number 10 has also joined the growing row, saying: “David and Goliath fixtures are a part of the magic of the Cup and we know that replays have been a welcome source of income for smaller clubs throughout the years.”These are, however, decisions for the footballing authorities. But clearly its incumbent on the FA and Premier League to explain this decision and why it is in the interest of fans.” More

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      FA slapped with Community Note as X users rage about ‘untrue’ claims over controversial FA Cup replay change

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      THE FA have received a Community Note on X following a post about their controversial changes to the FA Cup.A series of revisions to the famous old competition were confirmed yesterday, much to the fury of many fans.Major changes to the FA Cup are coming from next seasonCredit: ReutersA post by the FA Cup was Community Noted on XThe changes will see replays scrapped and the final brought forward to before the end of the Premier League season.Announcing the news, the FA Cup’s official X account wrote: “The FA and The @premierleague have reached an agreement to strengthen the #EmiratesFACup format and increase support for grassroots football.”Community Notes are designed to help stop the spread of false information.They come from X users who sign up to write and rate notes.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe note under the FA Cup’s post reads: “To suggest that the revised format ‘strengthens the format’ of the FA Cup is fundamentally untrue.”The decision to remove FA Cup replays deprives lower league clubs of crucial revenue and has been taken without consulting EFL or non-league clubs. The £33m is inadequate.”Plenty of fans shared their fury by replying to the post.One wrote: “Disgraceful decision and you know it.”Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERWhile a second blasted: “You are a disgrace to the sport.”A third fumed: “Disgraceful to drop replays so early in the competition.”Chris Wilder leads furious backlash to FA Cup replays being scrapped as fans urged to protest at ‘ridiculous’ decisionAnd another added: “Where’s the representatives of the EFL or Non-League clubs? There’s not 20 clubs in England.”The changes will be brought in from next season and are set to remain in place for at least six years.Further alterations include moving the fifth round back to a weekend slot.While the Premier League’s January winter break has been scrapped.Changes to prize money – which could involve compensation to lower division clubs for the loss of replay income – have yet to be agreed.But Prem chiefs have allocated a further £133m per season from 2025-26 for the pyramid.Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here. More

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      Chris Wilder leads furious backlash to FA Cup replays being scrapped as fans urged to protest at ‘ridiculous’ decision

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      CHRIS WILDER led a furious backlash after FA Cup replays were scrapped.Yesterday’s deal between the FA and Premier League will end 151 YEARS  of tradition in the world’s oldest cup  competition, starting next season.Already troubled by Prem relegation fears, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is now also upset by FA Cup replays being ditchedCredit: GettyThe FA Cup will see replays disappear from the first-round stageCredit: ReutersMillwall chief Neil Harris slammed the ‘absolutely ridiculous’ decisionCredit: RexBut  it sparked an EFL demand for  compensation, while League Two Tranmere branded it a “disgrace” — and called for fans’ protests and the introduction of an independent football regulator.Sheffield United boss Wilder claimed it was the latest example of the top-flight’s leading clubs overwhelming all opposition.Wilder, who has also bossed Halifax, Oxford and Northampton, said: “The game is dominated and dictated by the big boys — and they don’t want FA Cup replays.“What does that do to non-league clubs who get into the fairytale rounds and the financial implications?READ MORE TOP STORIES“I’ve been at both ends of the scale. The replay is a great reward. I’d have liked them kept.”Wilder’s criticism was echoed by EFL bigwigs and club chiefs.Tranmere’s vice-chair Nicola Palios — the  wife of club chairman and former FA chief executive Mark — claimed the Prem and their boss Richard Masters wanted to ­“strangle” football’s pyramid.That came despite top-flight chiefs agreeing to pay a total of £133m per season to the lower tiers.Most read in FA CupBut angry Palios wrote on X: “The FA and the Premier League have reached an agreement to suit themselves at the expense of the rest of the football pyramid.“Why were EFL clubs not given a say? Why is the Premier League even dictating whether replays are allowed in rounds they don’t participate in? Protest is needed!Huge changes being made to English football schedule next season“Bring on the regulator and make sure it has some teeth before the Premier League strangle the pyramid.”Fuming Accrington chairman Andy Holt also posted his views on social media.He said: “Why would the hapless FA scrap early round replays that can be lucrative  to minnows? Against EFL clubs? I expect nothing less of Richard Masters and Co.”The changes to the FA Cup come in the wake of an expanded Uefa Champions League and Fifa Club World Cup — which both kick in from next season — plus the axing of the Prem’s mid-winter break.The EFL were involved in discussions over the domestic calendar, including the potential end of two-legged Carabao Cup semis.But they pulled out of the talks over the failure of the Prem to agree a new funding deal for the lower divisions.EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said the decision was “frustrating and disappointing” and added: “Our domestic calendar has been put under extreme pressure by the expansion of Uefa competitions.“This represents another lost 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 and seeking appropriate compensation arrangements.”Tranmere vice-chair Nicola Palios claims the FA and Prem have ditched replays to ‘suit themselves’ rather than the wider football pyramidCredit: PAAnd Millwall boss Neil Harris stormed: “It is absolutely ridiculous. European football is a joke. It’s all about money!”Under the new agreement, all Cup rounds will return to weekend dates with the final played on the penultimate Saturday of the campaign and not as the season finale.Changes to prize money — which could involve compensation to lower-league clubs for the loss of replay income — have yet to be agreed.The 2024-25 Prem season kicks off a week after the Community Shield, which takes place at Wembley on Saturday, August 10.Niall Couper, chief of the Fair Game football reform group, described the changes as “another nail in the coffin for the already crumbling football pyramid”.But FA chief Mark Bullingham insisted: “The Emirates FA Cup is our biggest asset. READ MORE SUN STORIES”This agreement ensures the magic of the Cup is protected and enhanced, whilst working for the whole of the English game.”And his Prem counterpart Masters added: “The FA and the Premier League have worked  to deliver more exclusive weekends without compromising the excitement of knockout football.” More

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      Major changes to FA Cup with replays completely SCRAPPED in controversial move but more games on TV

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      FA CUP replays are set to be scrapped in new plans unveiled by the FA.There are several changes to be brought in from next season that will stay in place for at least six years.FA Cup replays are set to be scrapped for every roundCredit: APReplays were scrapped from the fifth round onwards in the 2018/19 campaign.A year later the fifth round was moved to mid-week but the new FA changes mean every round will now be played on the weekend.And there will be no more replays from the first round proper onwards.Another change will see no Premier League games played on the same weekend as the fourth and fifth rounds as well as the quarter-final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat will make them exclusive FA Cup only weekends as the FA bid to restore the competition’s previous importance.For similar reasons the final will also be played on a Saturday with no Premier League fixtures to take place on the same day.But it will take place on the penultimate day of the season – marking a change from the current set-up.There is also a move to focus on the build-up to the final by forbidding any Prem games being played on the Friday before.Most read in FA CupWhy FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton

      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here.

      BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFurther changes include more TV coverage, with the fourth round including matches played from Saturday – Wednesday to allow for consecutive games of football.And while changes to prize money – which could involve compensation to lower division clubs for the loss of replay income – have yet to be agreed, Prem chiefs have allocated a further £133m per season from 2025-26 for the pyramid.Elsewhere the Prem will also undergo a huge change from next season as the winter break has been scrapped.Fans convinced Scott McTominay shouted X-rated blast at Liverpool fans after Man Utd’s epic FA Cup win More