Non-League clubs would be worst hit by potential FA Cup changes

Non-League clubs could be the worst affected if plans for a dramatic shake-up to the FA Cup are ratified.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Feb 2016, 15:30 BST

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FA CupFA Cup
FA Cup

According to national reports, the famous competition could be set to see its replays scrapped with games also moved to midweek to accommodate a winter break.

The Sun have claimed that abolishing cup replays is firmly on the agenda as officials from the FA and Premier League hold talks over how to ease fixture congestion.

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The controversial move would see a much bigger impact on Non League clubs, who relish potential replays, if they are lucky enough to make the later rounds, as a vital source of income.

Something Horsham discovered in 2007 when they took League One champions Swansea to a second round replay at the Liberty Stadium after a 1-1 draw at Queen Street.

The bigger club further up the pyramid, however, are keen to seen the back of a second match due to pressures of congestion.

The move - which are still very much only in the pipeline - have already been met by backlash from fans up and down the country on social media.

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An insider told The Sun: “There’s consensus that nowadays, with the number of matches being played, FA Cup replays may become a thing of the past.

“It is about finding a balance while keeping every competition, instead of one competition becoming a thing of the past.”

Local Southern Combination League sides - who meet the criteria - enter the FA Cup at the extra preliminary round each season. Just £1,500 is available for the winners at this stage where the teams are six wins away from meeting a League One or Two club in the first round, ahead of the introduction of Premier League and Championship teams in the third round.

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Related topics:Premier LeagueLeague OneSwansea