Amid concerns over the discontinuation of FA Cup replays, the Football Association (FA) has pledged that worried clubs will not suffer any financial impact.
The FA acknowledged clubs' concerns over the move in a statement on Friday, assuring them of new ways to generate revenue. On Thursday, the FA announced that starting from the first round, there would be no more replays, causing dissatisfaction among EFL and non-league clubs due to a lack of proper consultation.
But the national football governing body has promised to clear out some of the anxieties raised by clubs regarding the change. "We understand the concerns expressed over the last 24 hours, and we will be sharing more details with clubs very shortly to explain the additional revenue opportunities in the early rounds," the FA statement read.
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"We will keep this under review as the new calendar begins to ensure that EFL and National League clubs do not lose out."
The decision to abolish replays is mainly to cut down on calendar congestion, especially with UEFA's expanded club competitions set to kick off next season. Manchester United and Manchester City are both expected to be playing in UEFA competitions next season.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has also criticised the decision made by the FA. He has called on Westminster politicians to amend the Football Governance Bill to ensure changes to domestic club competitions can only be passed by a majority vote from clubs competing in said tournaments.
Both United and City will be competing in the FA Cup this weekend. The Blues kick off the weekend's semi-final action on Saturday teatime against Chelsea before the Reds face Championship club Coventry City on Sunday afternoon.
