FA Mulls Scrapping Extra Time in FA Cup to Boost Giant-Killing Chances
The FA is reviewing the possibility of eliminating extra time in FA Cup ties after non-league clubs like Tamworth struggled in extended play against top-tier teams, with replays already off the table.
Original Source
The Times
Written by
Craig 'Tosh' McKinnon
The Football Association (FA) is considering removing extra time in FA Cup ties after this season, favouring immediate penalty shootouts to increase the odds of upsets by smaller clubs. The review follows Tamworth's valiant effort against Tottenham Hotspur, where they held the Premier League side to 0-0 in 90 minutes but tired in extra time and lost 3-0. Replays, which previously offered financial windfalls for lower-league teams, are unlikely to return due to fixture congestion. Senior FA sources highlight the potential for more dramatic outcomes, similar to the Carabao Cup's successful adoption of this format in all but the semi-finals and final.
- Potential Change: The FA is reviewing whether to eliminate extra time in future FA Cup ties after its removal from replays this season.
- Tamworth vs. Spurs: Non-league Tamworth's 0-0 draw after 90 minutes with Tottenham highlighted how smaller teams could benefit from penalty shootouts rather than playing extra time.
- Fixture Congestion: The return of replays is deemed unfeasible due to an already congested football calendar with expanded European competitions.
- Precedent in Carabao Cup: The EFL's 2017 decision to scrap extra time in earlier Carabao Cup rounds has been cited as a successful example.
- Impact on Non-League Clubs: Smaller clubs, such as Kettering and Harborough Town, have struggled in extra time against league opponents, underscoring the need for change to level the playing field.
This proposal, if implemented, could reshape the FA Cup by tilting the odds slightly in favor of smaller teams aiming for giant-killing victories.
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Written by
Craig 'Tosh' McKinnon
Co-founder of The1905Club. A life long Chelsea fan and season ticket holder for over twenty years. Now residing in Poland, this doesn't stop Tosh from watching every minute of every game.
