The Football Association has announced that the FA Cup will no longer include replays from the first round proper, beginning next season. However, this decision will only take effect once the qualifying rounds conclude.

The new format, which will be in place for a minimum of six seasons, ensures that all matches are played on weekends, except for the fourth round which has been given a Friday to Wednesday window. The fourth, fifth, and quarter-final stages will have exclusive periods without Premier League football, and the FA Cup final will be played on the Saturday of the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season, with no top-flight games scheduled on the same day.

These changes have also put an end to the mid-season break in the Premier League, replacing it with a longer summer break following the European Championship in Germany. The FA and the Premier League have reached an agreement to strengthen the Emirates FA Cup, ensuring exclusive weekends for the tournament in a busy calendar.

This new schedule aims to protect and enhance the magic of the Cup, while benefiting the entire English game. Additionally, the longer summer period allows for a much-needed player break before the start of the next season.

In response to the changes, the FA has invited opinions on the decision to scrap FA Cup replays. The announcement also includes new funding commitments for the grassroots game, disability football, and the women’s and girls’ game.

The Premier League will provide an additional £33 million to grassroots football, in addition to the £100 million already allocated to various causes per season. Richard Masters, the Premier League chief executive, expressed pride in the league’s investment in all levels of the game and emphasized the importance of enhancing support for grassroots football through the new agreement with the FA.