FA committs to involve fans in FA Cup changes

• There have been reports of the FA selling overseas FA Cup rights 
• This led to fears the sale could lead to significant changes in the competition
• FA has however committed to keeping fans updated and involved in the process

Football Association – FA officials have committed to keeping fans updated about any potential alterations to the FA Cup in the future. This assurance comes after a meeting between four representatives of supporters and senior members of the FA on Tuesday. Recent reports indicated that an agreement between the FA and the Premier League regarding the sale of overseas FA Cup rights could result in significant changes to the competition, such as the elimination of replays, moving the FA Cup final from its traditional end-of-season slot, and transforming it into a midweek event.

During the meeting, fans were informed that the negotiations over the sale of overseas rights were separate from discussions about the competition’s calendar. The latter discussions are part of the ongoing “New Deal For Football” talks, which encompass financial distribution matters between the Premier League, FA, and EFL, along with cost controls.

Manchester City won the 2022/23 FA Cup defeating Manchester United in the finals. | PHOTO: Sky Sports |

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The FA representatives present at the meeting emphasized their appreciation for the significance of the FA Cup and expressed their determination to safeguard its integrity. They assured the fans that once a concrete proposal for potential changes emerges, they will engage in detailed discussions with the stakeholders.

Given the impending expansion of UEFA’s club competitions from the 2024-25 season, the introduction of a new 32-team Club World Cup by FIFA starting in 2025, and the extension of the World Cup from 2026 affecting players’ off-season breaks, modifications to domestic knockout competitions appear inevitable.

However, the FA clarified to the fans that these considerations were not linked to the process of selling overseas FA Cup rights, which is a separate matter.

The Infront Sports and Media agency has sought legal advice concerning the FA’s handling of the initial tender process for a portion of the international rights. Initially, Infront had been granted preferred bidder status for some of the overseas rights in early May. Still, the FA paused the process to assess a “third party offer,” leading to the opening of a new and longer-term tender from July 4 to 17. In front, however, chose not to make an offer in this new round of tendering.

As of now, the FA has not provided any official comments on the tender process for the overseas FA Cup rights. The situation remains fluid, and fans can expect further updates once a formal proposal for potential changes to the FA Cup is on the table.