The latest update from Derbyshire Live regarding Derby County reveals the Football League’s response to the contentious decision to eliminate FA Cup replays. The Football League asserts that they were not consulted regarding this controversial move.
There is growing frustration following the announcement by the Football Association and the Premier League to abandon replays starting next season, affecting all clubs, including Derby County. This decision, which promises around £33m investment in grassroots football, has sparked considerable outrage among EFL clubs and their supporters.
Despite speculation suggesting otherwise, the EFL claims it had no prior knowledge of the decision. In a statement released today, the league clarifies that the agreement to scrap replays was made solely between the Premier League and FA, without any formal consultation with EFL clubs.
The EFL emphasizes that discussions in September 2023 about potential changes to the FA Cup format were part of broader financial discussions and have not progressed since then. The league sees this latest agreement as another instance of EFL clubs being marginalized in favor of others higher up the football hierarchy, posing a threat to the future of English football.
Calling for a re-evaluation of the partnership between the Premier League, FA, and the EFL, the league urges more collaborative engagement on issues directly impacting its clubs. Additionally, the role of EFL representatives on the Professional Game Board in agreeing to the 2024/25 fixture calendar is highlighted, emphasizing that such decisions do not signify endorsement of the joint FA-Premier League deal regarding FA Cup format changes.
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