Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has called on MPs to amend the upcoming Football Governance Bill to prevent changes to the FA Cup next season.
The FA announced on Thursday that in consultation with the Premier League, FA Cup replays will be scrapped from the first round onwards. This move was decided due to UEFA expanding their competitions next season and aims to avoid player burnout.
However, the decision has faced strong backlash from clubs in the EFL and below. EFL chief executive Trevor Birch stressed that his organisation were frustrated by the decision, adding: "This represents another lost traditional revenue stream for EFL clubs at a time when the financial gap between the biggest clubs and those further down the pyramid is growing bigger than ever."
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Both Manchester United and Manchester City are set to benefit from the scrapping of replays as they prepare to compete in UEFA competitions next season. However, Burnham has called upon Westminster to act now before the alterations to the tournament can be made.
He tweeted: "Here’s my FA Cup solution: We amend the Football Governance Bill, which is in the Commons on Tuesday, to require that any domestic cup competition can only be changed with a majority vote of all clubs eligible to enter it. Write to your MP today and ask them to support it!
"The effect of such a rule would be as follows: If the big clubs still want their way, they would have to negotiate a compensation package with those who might miss out. If we can secure cross-party support for this, it could be law before the start of the 24/25 FA Cup."
The Football Governance Bill aims to create an independent regulator for the men's game in England to help strengthen the sport for future generations. Former United captain Gary Neville has previously backed plans for its creation.
When asked by one follower why he was making a concerted effort to prevent the FA Cup from changing, Burnham replied: "It's got a lot to do with Greater Manchester, actually. In recent years, Wigan Athletic, Bolton Wanderers, Stockport County, Oldham Athletic and Rochdale have all come close to the brink. Bury went over it.
"My job involves doing whatever I can to secure our clubs." Both City and United are in FA Cup action this weekend at Wembley Stadium.
The Blues face Chelsea in the first FA Cup semi-final while United take on Coventry City a day later.
