Non-league clubs seek permission to switch FA Cup ties to home of Premier League opponents – after Tamworth missed out on money-spinning clash with Tottenham following the abolishment of replays
- Non-league Tamworth held out bravely and forced Tottenham into extra time
- But when the FA Cup replays were scrapped, they were dropped from the competition
- Listen to It all starts! Should lower league clubs be given the choice of playing at home or away in the FA Cup?
A number of non-league clubs will seek permission to move home FA Cup matches to the venues of Premier League opponents following the abolition of replays.
Mail Sport understands a group of parties are prepared to make the request to the FA – with their case seemingly strengthened after National League Tamworth were deprived of a money-losing replay with Tottenham on Sunday.
In what would be a historic move, those drawn home would give up that advantage and instead pocket up to £1million to travel.
The FA will listen to feedback and ideas at the end of this year’s competition. However, insiders have revealed that it is ‘extremely unlikely’ that such a request will be given the green light.
Currently, locations can only be engaged on the advice of the police due to safety concerns. The view is that the potential damage to the integrity of competition would be too great to bear. This position is unlikely to deter those involved.
They believe the controversial move to remove replays has deprived them of a crucial opportunity for a huge and often crucial windfall.
A number of non-league clubs will seek permission to move home FA Cup matches to the venues of Premier League opponents
Non-league Tamworth hosted Premier League side Tottenham at The Lamb Ground on Sunday
Tamworth was denied the chance of a money-losing replay in north London after taking Spurs to extra-time, following the abolition of replays
In previous seasons, Tamworth’s 0-0 draw after 90 minutes would have been enough to earn them a trip to Tottenham for a replay and a cash bonus. However, extra time followed and the minnows were defeated 3-0.
“We are now at a stage where there is virtually no chance of a non-league club beating Premier League opposition,” said an official from one of the clubs. ‘So there is not really an integrity problem. And since they’re out of reps, this makes sense.”
There will be a consultation on the consequences of removing repeats. One option could be to send matches that end in a stalemate straight to penalties. The thinking was that, given the varying fitness levels, such a move would give the non-league club a better chance of progressing.
A return to reruns is not being considered, while any proposed changes would be subject to a lengthy consultation period.