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image description, Defending champions Manchester City will face Manchester United in the 2024 FA Cup final on May 25
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Fair Game, a group representing a number of professional clubs, has launched a campaign to prevent the abolition of FA Cup replays.
The group campaigning to improve football governance has proposed a change to the upcoming Football Governance Act which would mean replays could not be canceled without consultation of all eligible clubs and a majority vote.
Last week, replays from the first round of the 2024-25 season were canceled due to the expansion of European competitions next season and the resulting pressure on the football calendar.
The move was widely criticized, and more than 100 clubs issued statements against the move.
Second division side Tranmere said it showed “a complete lack of respect”, while Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony warned it could lead to “consequences across English football”.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Fair Game chief executive Niall Couper have sent a joint letter to Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer and her shadow, Thangam Debbonaire, saying: “We know that many clubs in the lower leagues struggle for survival And if these changes were to continue, they would make this fight even more difficult.
“The events of this season have led to growing concerns among fans at all levels that the football authorities are running the game in the interests of the few rather than the many.
“Similar to the implementation of the winning and sustainability rules in the Premier League, these changes raise concerns about a lack of transparency, consistency and fairness from football authorities.”
“If the new regulator is to be effective, it must be empowered to act to ensure the health of the entire football pyramid.”
The Football Association insisted that “all parties accepted the change”. However, the EFL called on the FA to “reassess its approach” and said there was “no agreement” and no “formal consultation” before the deal was announced.
Couper added that the move was “shortsighted and misguided” and that “elite clubs are protecting their own narrow self-interests.”
He added: “The move is another example of why football needs a strong and independent regulator that can secure the financial future of our game.”
The Fair Game change would cover other competitions – and if the changes would change the distribution of revenue, approval from the independent regulator would be required.
The Football Governance Bill, which would introduce such a regulator, has its second reading on Tuesday and will go through a parliamentary process before coming into force.
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