Since the FA have introduced proposals to 'revamp' this glorious competition, people have began to question whether these changes are for the good or, indeed, for the bad. Perhaps more importantly, whether these potentially radical decisions will genuinely revamp or ruin the Cup?
Some of the ideas include:
- Seeding teams from the third round in order to prevent the 'big' clubs from facing one another early on.
- Scrapping replays
- Playing all ties in midweek
- And giving the winner a Champions League Spot (if UEFA grant a fifth spot to the Premier League, that is...)
Firstly the seeding of teams. In fairness to the FA these so-called 'big-clashes' can be often detrimental to the hopes of either team, but on the flip side of that why would we want to see potential thrillers be thrown aside? This is part of what makes the FA cup, the FA cup. So often have we seen a Chelsea vs Manchester United match fail to inspire in the latter stages of the competition when everything is to lose. Another key argument here, is how it denies the lower teams the right of a money-spinning trip to Old Trafford or the Emirates, to play against some of the world's best players. These sort of days can salvage football clubs, inspire players and make for a great spectacle. Sometimes even greater television.
Then there's the idea of scrapping replays. Astonishing, ridiculous, reckless. Those three words epitomise just how ludicrous this idea really is. The idea for this has presumably stemmed from the F.A.'s inability to put together a consistent, stable footballing calendar for the year. International friendlies should be playing second fiddle, when replays are being considered. For me, they in lie the spirit of the cup. Minnows pitting their wits against a strong, experienced side and earning a creditable 0-0 draw. Exhausted and drained from these 90 absorbing minutes, they are thrust into half an hour's worth of extra -time. As I previously mentioned, the idea of upsets in the cup should never be denied - even if a replay is required. The minnows will quite rightfully gain revenue and TV rights that they perhaps might not have with extra time. Yes, some may argue that the Carling Cup does just this. But for heaven's sake, the competition has changed names more times than I could possibly count. It has never had the aura, nor the status of the FA cup.
Midweek ties only. Wow, what are they smoking in the Soho HQ these days? Have they really thought through the traffic on the M25 at 6.30 on a Tuesday night? This is just preposterous to be quite frank. How are families expected to turn out in their thousands to midweek games with work the next morning or 'the school run' to contend with? Saturdays and Sundays are there for a reason! Weekends represent family value, and provide fathers with a chance to introduce their children to the magic that the cup evokes. Again, the Carling Cup provides midweek action, but then how will the FA really make any genuine changes to the calendar. Don't tell me there's a pact with UEFA to have all Champions League and Europa League Games at the weekend? Surely not...
I like the idea of the fifth spot from the Champions League, I really do. But will it empower our League too much? It could potentially anger foreign leagues, in particular France and Germany who are awarded just 3 in comparison. This point has to be taken into consideration before you assess the economic impacts that it will bring to our countries' clubs.
My views clearly represent a general consensus, as this following article suggests: http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2900/fa-cup/2011/02/14/2351649/fa-blasted-by-football-supporters-federation-over-proposed
So there goes then, my analysis of the FA cup and whether it should be changed/revamped/revised/ whatever you want to call it. My opinion? Not a chance...
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