English FA announces two major changes in the FA Cup ahead of next season

The English Football Association and the Premier League have both agreed that they will be making two major changes when the competition kicks off next season.

The announcement was made by the association on Thursday, April 18, 2024, according to the body there would not be any replay from the first round of the competition. This decision means when a match ends in a draw after the final whistle that means a winner will be decided via penalty shoot-outs.

The fourth and fifth rounds and the quarter-finals all will be exclusive of Premier League fixtures for the first time, and the fourth round will have an extended window from Friday to Wednesday to allow fans to watch consecutive days of Emirates FA Cup football.

The Emirates FA Cup Final will now take place on the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season, on an exclusive Saturday with no Premier League fixtures taking place on the same day. In addition to the changes, there will be no Premier League games on the Friday night before the final match so that there will be adequate preparation for the finale.

The Premier League has increased funding by providing up to an additional £33 million for grassroots football on top of the £100 million it currently gives to good causes each season.