The FA and the Premier League have announced significant changes to the FA Cup format, starting from next season.
Replays will be entirely scrapped from the first round proper, and the fifth round, which has been played midweek for the past five seasons, will now return to being held on weekends. This adjustment is necessary to adapt to the expanded Champions League schedule, which requires additional midweek slots.
Moreover, the FA Cup final will now be scheduled for the Saturday of the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season, ensuring no top-flight games will be played on the same day.
The mid-season break will be removed from the calendar to accommodate a mid-August start for the Premier League. This new agreement between the FA and the Premier League is set to last for a minimum of six years.
The FA and The @premierleague have reached an agreement to strengthen the #EmiratesFACup format and increase support for grassroots football.
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) April 18, 2024
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