Thousands of fans have decided to sign new petition set up to bring back FA Cup replays after huge backlash on the FA scrapping them.
The decision to get rid of FA Cup replays from the first round onwards was intended to ease fixture congestion, provide exclusive weekend slots for the FA Cup, and align with changes in European competitions that have increased the number of games Premier League clubs must play.
However, this decision has been met with criticism, especially from supporters and clubs in the lower divisions and non league, who view replays as not only a part of the competition’s tradition but also a crucial financial lifeline.
Restore FA Cup Replays Up to 4th Round: Save Non-League Clubs Like Tamworth – Sign the Petition! https://t.co/Mes9uuOmDm via @UKChange
— Richard Collins (@richiecol8) January 21, 2025
Several clubs, managers, pundits particularly those outside the Premier League, expressed dismay over the decision, noting that replays often provide significant income through matchday revenues and television broadcasts.
This financial aspect is seen as vital for the sustainability of smaller clubs. The Football Supporters Association (FSA) has voiced serious concerns, with a survey indicating that a majority of fans support replays.
The FA say the calendar changes were discussed with all parties involved, and that the move would still benefit lower league teams through increased broadcast revenue and prize money adjustments.
Nonetheless, the petition and the widespread criticism suggest a significant portion of the football community feels that the changes have not adequately considered the impact on the broader football pyramid. You can sign it by clicking HERE.
Riley Taylor started the campaign, writing on charge.org: “The decision to remove FA Cup replays up to and including the 5th round has left a significant impact on countless football clubs, particularly non-league and lower-league teams. These replays were more than just an additional match—they were lifelines. Clubs like Tamworth, who faced Spurs on 12th January 2025 and were defeated 3-0 in extra time, lost out on a potential replay that could have brought in over £1 million. This isn’t just a loss of money; it’s a missed opportunity to support players, fans, and entire communities who rely on their local clubs for joy, identity, and unity.
“Without replays, non-league clubs lose their chance to shine on the national stage and secure critical revenue streams. These matches often lead to historic moments, like smaller clubs holding Premier League giants to a draw and earning a deserved replay at home. The FA Cup is known for its magic, its unpredictability, and its tradition of David vs. Goliath stories. Removing replays undermines this spirit, making the competition heavily skewed in favor of wealthier, bigger teams.
“If we continue down this path, the financial gap between the Premier League giants and non-league clubs will grow wider. Clubs like Grantham Town, which I passionately support despite being a Chelsea fan, could lose the chance to dream of extraordinary achievements. The removal of replays cuts the heart out of what makes the FA Cup special for fans and clubs alike. Non-league teams face an uphill battle to survive, and these missed opportunities could lead to closures, robbing communities of their cherished football clubs.
“Now is the time to act. As fans, we must demand the Football Association (FA) to restore FA Cup replays up to and including the 5th round. This isn’t about serving the interests of the “Big Six” or the wealthiest clubs; it’s about preserving fairness, tradition, and the very essence of English football. The decision to remove replays benefits the elite at the expense of grassroots football. Let’s not wait until more clubs face financial ruin or until the magic of the FA Cup becomes a thing of the past.
“I may be a Chelsea fan, but as someone who supports Grantham Town, I care deeply about non-league clubs and their survival. Stories like Tamworth’s remind us why the FA Cup matters—it’s about giving every team a chance to dream big. Replays give smaller clubs a fighting chance, financial stability, and the opportunity to inspire their communities.
“Sign this petition to call on the FA to reinstate FA Cup replays for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th rounds. Let’s protect the legacy of the world’s most iconic domestic football competition and the dreams of countless non-league clubs and fans. Together, we can make a difference.”
Riley Taylor added: “Nearly 12,000 of you has signed this petition. You are LEGENDS! Thank you to each and every one of you!
Carry on sharing this petition out far and wide to reach fellow football fans and let’s make sure that we take action now to save FA Cup replays.
That’s because action speaks LOUDER than words! Let’s make sure the FA knows about this!
Use the link of this petition to contact them in either way:
1: Send the link of the petition to- The Football Association, Wembley Stadium, PO BOX 1966, London, SW19 9EQ.
2. Call them: 0800 169 1863.
3. Email this to: info@thefa.com
Let the FA know that without the FA Cup replays, non league clubs will financially suffer!”
Neville, Keane, Carragher, Wright give their take on FA Cup replay debate after Tamworth tie
Thousands of fans sign the new petition to bring back FA Cup replays after huge backlash to scrapping them…
Lorna Robinson: I want grassroots & lower league football to survive. I want football to be accessible for all & for youngsters to be able to watch games or shine & progress up the leagues. None of this will happen if lower or non league clubs go into administration.
Oliver Tunnah: Replays are part of the FA Cup’s DNA. Too much is being done for a small selection of clubs to the detriment of the majority. That is not right. That is not Football. We are better than that!
Alan Hall: I believe that the revenue from a replay is very important to non league teams and in some cases could be the lifeline that they need to keep going.
André Essen: The football hierarchy has taken the right of the small clubs away to pit their ways with the ” big clubs”! … And we must demand for this insane idea to be returned to how it used to be!!
Michael Woods: This truly affects grass roots football in a positive way unlike token gestures by broadcast companies and the mega wealthy clubs who can afford the loss of gate money
Steven Kendrick: Change works when it’s needed, not when it only suits already strong financial minority.
Paul Moulton: Spot on….. the FA will ruin clubs if they continue with this stupid idea
Elaine Ganderton: I support a National League team. This denies lower level teams the opportunity to earn much needed extra cash. It’s only been introduced because Premier League teams want to take every opportunity to free up time to play higher status European and world club games.
Dean Lenton: Lower League Clubs need all the opportunity they can create to survive financially. I’m a die hard life long Man Utd fan but I also go watch Stockport County when I can. Local Teams are the Life Blood of Football. All the Utd fans I know also believe FA Replays are the Fair Future of the English Game.
Tim Sumner: I believe the FA needs to consider the grass roots football clubs more and not just the Premier League clubs
Mike Prosser: Totally unfair to the lower league clubs…its their chance to make history and secure survival.
Eddie Lockwood: The current situation is unfair to the lower clubs and cheats them of a nice payday following a draw in any round.
David Cleugh: Premier league clubs made thus decision without any consultation of the club’s for whom a replay can transform their finances
John Tweedale: I am signing this petition because for smaller club’s who get to the 4th round 3rd 2nd 1st it is a big achievement for them and the money they earn from them is vitally important for their survival premier ship club’s get lots of money.
Alan Childs: It is outrageous that the FA should bow to the wishes of greedy Premiership clubs. Members of the FA should be ashamed of themselves.
Robert Moussalli: Its not fair to smaller clubs at present. There should either be replays or straihht to penalties- no extra time
Dianne Kell: It is important to support the poorer clubs who need the admission money
Mark Procel: Has to be brought back as it wad Terrible idea.
Colin Mayes: It’s so wrong how the best football club companion is being ruined by money with no care for the small clubs who can gain financial security through fa cup replays it’s so wrong
Mark Stickland: Small clubs need the ability to earn replays and more vital revenue
Wynne Thomas: The system favours the richer clubs with the best squads. Give the minnows a chance!
John Norman: I agree fa cup replays are important for smaller clubs to generate additional income.
Carol Lewis: We have made exactly the same conclusion. Footy was at its best when local lads played in local teams and entry fees were affordable for all. It’s all got much too Prima Donna and part of the glamorous entertainment industry.
Martin Gibbs: Non league clubs need all the revenue they can get to survive.
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