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York City co-owner criticises new National League Cup; other clubs clarify their position

York City co-owner Matt Uggla criticises the new National League Cup; while other clubs clarify their position.

Matt Ugglas tweeted: “I thought the whole reason not having FA Cup replays was too many fixtures….. But I guess that only applies to the Prem teams. At least be honest about your reasoning, your masters said jump and you said how high.”

He also responded to a tweet by Thomas Feaheny, who wrote: “The 8 National League clubs who are not participating in the National League Cup: York City, Barnet, Eastleigh, Solihull Moors, Hartlepool United, Yeovil Town, Southend United & AFC Fylde”

Thomas Feaheny added: “So yet more matches for those 16 National League clubs. Of course player welfare & fixture congestion were used as reasons to get rid of FA Cup replays from the 1st round onwards this season.”

Matt replied with a boring GIF, summing up his thoughts on.

York City FC Supporters’ Trust meanwhile said in a tweet: “The Kickback Cup, thanks but no thanks Mr Ives & Mr Masters we preferred our FA Cup replays. #YCFC”

Eastleigh said: “Eastleigh Football Club would like to confirm that the club will not be competing in The National League Cup competition.

“Following yesterday’s announcement by the National League regarding the new National League Cup competition incorporating the Premier League U21 teams, Eastleigh Football Club can confirm for our fans that whilst we qualified for the competition we, like numerous other National league teams, declined to enter the competition.

“Our rational for this decision was based on numerous factors some of which we have listed below:

“National League teams currently receive no compensation or protection for our young players, some of whom would feature in this competition. Premier League and EFL clubs simply take these players that have often had many years development at our clubs, something they cannot do to each other. Providing these clubs with competitive games to then play these players or showcase more of them to be taken under these circumstances is completely illogical.

“The financial reward for playing in the competition is negligible and is likely to cost the club some much-needed funds.

“We don’t believe there is a huge demand for the competition from our supporters or any other National League club.

“The fixtures are to be played between October and April which is a time in the season where the club would hope to be competing in the FA Trophy, FA Cup and mounting a challenge for the Play-offs/Promotion and to add more fixtures to this already busy schedule would be counter productive.

“To fulfil these extra fixtures, the club would need to increase the size of its first team squad which would come at considerable cost to cover games that would provide no revenue to support this.

“A number of other clubs have made the decision to not participate. If we truly value our football pyramid, which is often held up as something we should be proud of and unique then it is incumbent on the clubs to push back against developments that devalue our national sport something which we believe this cup competition does.

“Lower league football provides huge enjoyment all over the country for thousands of fans, is a large employer, and providing vital experience along the way to thousands of people connected to the game many of whom subsequently achieve well paid, hugely rewarding jobs higher up the football pyramid.

“Our clubs are being under-valued, and far too many have not survived in the game when there is more money than ever flowing into it. This needs addressing and this competition increases the huge divide which currently exists.

“This competition which we feel benefits the richest in the game at the expense of the poorest, many of whom are fighting to survive so on balance we feel the right decision for clubs and fans at this level is to withdraw from the competition.”

Rochdale have issued a statement: “As supporters will have seen from yesterday’s announcement, Rochdale AFC will be taking part in the inaugural National League Cup competition this season. It is fair to say, as expected, the competition announcement has received a very mixed reaction, and we want to make clear our reasoning behind the decision to take part.

“The first point to make is that if either a fairer financial distribution model was in place, or a proper football pyramid of three up, three down, between the EFL and National League, we may not have chosen to take part in the competition but concentrate fully on a promotion push for one of the three places.

“Unfortunately, the Premier League, EFL and National League have been unable to sort this out between themselves, and it is clubs like ours that are suffering financially because of this. We hope the proposed football regulator can intervene and force a settlement before another club goes out of business, as we so nearly did earlier this year. We are not in a position, as we try to run our club as sustainably as possible, to turn down the welcome income that this competition offers, and we recognise that this is at least some income being distributed further down the pyramid.

“The competition was first proposed in the summer and the National League fully consulted with clubs. We raised concerns about the costs of hosting these fixtures, and all these concerns were addressed by the National League and Premier League, and an acceptable financial proposal was agreed.

“We believe the introduction of this competition is in no way linked to the scrapping of FA Cup replays. Rochdale AFC has publicly stated, following extensive supporter feedback, that we are opposed to the scrapping of FA Cup replays. We have no say on this and have made our position abundantly clear to both the FA and the National League on this matter.

“By entering, we now are in the same number of competitions as when we were an EFL club, with the National League Cup replacing the EFL Trophy, and the FA Trophy replacing the EFL Cup.

“We recruited this summer with the knowledge of our participation in this competition, and currently have a squad of 24 players. We see this competition as an excellent platform for players to push for a place in our first team and as an opportunity for some of our talented Academy players.

“Whilst there are obvious concerns (including but not limited to potential fixture congestion, potential player fatigue, and potential pitch wear and tear) taking all factors into consideration, the decision was made to participate during 2024/25 and review our position on this competition after one season.

“We look forward to welcoming the Manchester United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers, and Stoke City Under-21 teams to the Crown Oil Arena.”

FC United of Manchester said: “National League Cup: Supporters Ignored, Yet Again

“Back in April, National League chief Mark Ives surprised many by backing the Premier League’s push to abolish FA Cup replays, positioning himself as a convenient mouthpiece for the elite clubs.

“Today, the true motivation behind his stance—and the quid pro quo deal—has finally come to light.

“Ives claimed that scrapping replays would ease fixture congestion and protect player welfare. Yet, with the announcement of the new ‘National League Cup’, 16 National League sides will now face up to seven extra games, competing against Premier League U21 teams for a £1m prize pot—courtesy of the Premier League.

“Once again, it’s clear that the Premier League’s influence continues to infiltrate every level of the game, throwing money around to secure whatever outcome they desire.

“Figures like Ives love to romanticize non-league football when it suits them, but this competition does nothing more than deepen the divide between Step 1 and the rest of the pyramid. Ives seems eager to play the role of a mini-Richard Masters, overseeing his own mini-Premier League.

“Supporters nationwide voiced their opposition to the removal of FA Cup replays, and the reaction to today’s announcement has been overwhelmingly negative. Fans of Football League clubs have already turned their backs on a similar setup in the EFL Trophy, where fixtures against Premier League Academy sides routinely draw fewer than 1,000 attendees.

“But for those running the game, fan sentiment means nothing. Money is the only language they speak.

“This week, UEFA expressed concern that the introduction of the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) in England could “undermine established football structures.” But for many supporters, this so-called threat to the ‘established structures’ is precisely the reform the game urgently needs.

“At our club, we remain a staunch advocate for good governance in football. We believe that the voices of supporters should not be ignored. If you share our values and want to stand with us, consider joining us as a co-owner and add your voice to the fight.”

Against League 3 wrote: “In a move that definitely isn’t the thicker part of the wedge, the National League are “delighted” to further mix first teams and Premier League B-Teams. Earlier this year the National League wrote to clubs saying it supported the scrapping of FA Cup replays. Shameful.”

Kieran Maguire, football finance expert, said: “Only a cynic would say this is a £1m payoff from the Premier League to coincidentally ensure the National League supports the scrapping of FA Cup replays and opposes the Independent Regulator. I’m not a cynic and so am firmly of the view that this is the additional cup competition that NL fans have been crying out for for years and years.”

tomhwilliams23 said: “FA Cup Replays scrapped due to fixture congestion. National League Cup added, bringing an extra 4-7 games for NL teams. Let’s just drop the pretence. The Replays were scrapped for the top sides. Lads that work other jobs as well still have to play them. Absolute joke 🤡”

FA Cup Factfile: “This competition needs to be boycotted like the EFL Trophy. It is the reason #PremierLeague club owners wanted #FACup 1st & 2nd Rd replays to be scrapped. Shame on NL & those clubs taking the Judas money to take part. Playing PL U21s/reserves is a sure-fire path to extinction!”

NL Full Time: “Having read ALL responses to this announcement, it’s gone down like a lead balloon ⬇️🎈⬇️ 200+ responses, 99% of which DO NOT welcome it! FA Cup replays scrapped with an already ‘congested fixture list’ – now an extra competition with 4 to 7 additional games! #NationalDisgrace”

There is plenty of reaction online as the York City co-owner criticises the new National League Cup; while other clubs start to clarify their position…

@dylanwhxtbread: This is such an insult to the lower leagues, only increasing the game even more between Step 1 & 2. Petty cash to keep NL clubs quiet on the scrapping of FA Cup replays, disgraceful. Fair play to the clubs who are boycotting this. @SUFCOfficial should be next.]

@mickyc1993: Well done @Official_HUFC for opting out of this. Complete nonsense 👏🏼

@uptheborobeans: shame on aldershot, altrincham, boston, braintree, dagenham, ebbsfleet, halifax, forest green, gateshead, maidenhead, oldham, rochdale, sutton, tamworth, wealdstone and woking. compliant in the murder of the game. shame on you.

@stringer_oafc: The National League supported the loss of FA Cup replays because its members play too many games. They’ve now created a new competition. Make it make sense. #oafc

@AddedSix: Anyone for a game of guess the lowest attendance in the competition? I’m going to go with 117

@robesteva: ❌ Wholeheartedly disagree with this competition. FA Cup prize money did not increase after replays were scrapped, and NL clubs left with this. Competitive imbalance impacting other competitions too with all teams not included. Games will be attended by scouts and that’ll be it

@eminurcan35: B-Teams should not be allowed to take part in senior competitions. Their inclusion into the EFL Trophy has turned the competition into a joke, and I say this as an outsider.

@TFCSocialPod: Tamworth are part-time. Not sure how the squad will manage all these extra mid-week matches

@LondonSaint: This competition is a bribe from the @premierleague in return for support on scrapping replays and lobbying against a football regulator!

@renny_overton: Disgraceful, another example of the national league not caring for anyone else but themselves. No one wants this apart from them and it came at the cost of fa cup replies and it’s a disgrace. Sooner the board all leave the better for everyone

@HallamiteS10: The NL have sold their own soul, and are trying to sell the soul of the game (B teams, backing getting rid of FA Cup replays and opposing the Independent Regulator), in return for a bit of £ from the PL. The FA tried the same, and look what happened ! The NL should be ashamed.

@Kingwolf84: It’s a rubbish idea, PL bribed the NL to drop replays for it & it’s a pathway to B teams….!!

@Staceywestblog: Can’t win the EFL Trophy, so let’s try a level lower 🤣

@flanderosa: EFL club fan who also watches a Non-league team – I still haven’t seen anybody who thinks this is a good idea or who actually wanted this. Have they not been watching the mess that is the EFL Trophy? Or has the money they’ve been thrown by the PL got in their eyes?

@ChrisLukeJones: The Premier League imposing themselves where they’re not wanted, yet again. Fuck their cartel

@kiddyguest: The FA Cup is what excites non league fans. To take replays away and then block fixture lists for a meaningless kick about with U21 teams is a joke. The FA don’t care about non league clubs but tickle the belly of the big boys.

@Grovesred: I’ve seen it labelled the Kickback Cup and it’s hard to disagree. I’m pleased York City have refused to take part. I wouldn’t watch if it was free. It’s scandalous that the National League board is promoting the Premier League’s dominance to the detriment of proper football.

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