Bradford City AFC expresses its disappointment at yesterday’s news regarding the discontinuation of Emirates FA Cup replays from the first round proper onwards.
We understand this decision was taken without any consultation with the EFL or its clubs, nor those at National League or grassroots level, to whom the FA Cup represents a unique opportunity to not only create lasting memories, but provide potentially game-changing income.
Our football club has a proud history in cup competitions. One of our most memorable days, at Chelsea in 2015, may not have been possible had we not have had the opportunity to contest a replayed fixture in the round prior, against Millwall - another EFL club who appear to have been discounted in this process.
Yesterday’s announcement, which we received as everyone else did, as ‘breaking news’, perhaps tells us who has the greatest influence over the running of the English game, and leaves us with real concerns over the governance of the sport. We would have hoped The FA would have stood up for the wider game and, in our view, this decision is not in any way justifiable in the interest of protecting arguably the best pyramid in world football.
Clubs in divisions outside of the top flight play a significant role in the growth and development of the English game, and without us, the Premier League is not and cannot be what it is today, and will be in the future.
There are more than 700 teams which enter the FA Cup every year. Only 20, as we understand it, were consulted around this decision, and involved in its outcome. This move denies the opportunity for clubs in the lower leagues to generate potentially transformational revenue which could change the course of a football club’s future.
We strongly condemn the removal of replays from the first round proper of the Emirates FA Cup onwards. While retrospective consultation would be nothing more than an insult, we believe this is necessary, and real compensation should be provided for clubs who have not been considered throughout this process. We will work closely with the EFL and fellow member clubs and do all we can to oppose this decision.
