FA Cup reform: Fans react to proposed changes to English competition

By Charlotte Cohen

20th Oct, 2023 | 10:28am

'Absolute shambles', 'Awful' - Fans react to proposed changes to English game

English football fans are furious about the proposed reform to the FA Cup and claim it will only benefit top six clubs like Liverpool and Man City.

Football Insider has been gathering the reaction of fans in light of proposed reform to the FA Cup that would scrap replays and two-legged semi-finals.

As relayed by the BBC (19 October), the third and fourth round replays of the competition, as well as the two-legged semi-finals, are expected to be scrapped amid reforms to the English football calendar.

The changes have been triggered by pressure on the domestic schedule as a result of the expansion of European competitions.

It is unclear when the changes could come into effect although the English calendar will be feeling the pressure from next season when the Champions League and Europa League first phases expand to 36 clubs.

But fans have been left furious with the proposals that only benefit the bigger clubs.

One supporter can’t believe the lower league sides will suffer because of “greedy” teams and players.

One fan went as far as to suggest bigger sides shouldn’t enter the competition if they can’t handle the schedule.

Another fan claimed the decision would be an “absolute shambles”.

Another insisted the decision will cause problems for the sport as a whole.

Another fan suggested changes to the competition would be a “downgrade”.

One claimed the reform would “erode the magic” of the FA Cup.

Another claimed it would be an “appalling” decision from the FA.

In other news, Kieran Maguire reveals why FSG are willing to snub Liverpool bid.