Kieran Maguire named Leeds United in his criticism of the FA’s contentious decision.
On Thursday (18 April), the football finance expert tweeted that the Whites and 18 other past FA Cup winners had been “ignored” by the governing body after it was decided that replays in the cup would be phased out beginning with the first round.
That will go into effect next season as part of a new six-year deal between the FA and the Premier League.
“Ipswich, Southampton, The Leeds, Coventry, Portsmouth, West Brom, Blackburn, Preston, Notts County, Bradford City, Barnsley, Bolton, Cardiff, Huddersfield, Sheffield Wednesday, Derby, Charlton, Blackpool, Sunderland have won the FA Cup, but like all in the EFL, ignored by the Premier League and FA in no replay decision,” Maguire went on to say.
Leeds United should have had a voice on FA Cup replays.
There is little doubt that Leeds and the rest of the EFL clubs should have been given the opportunity to express their opinions on the FA Cup replay issue.
The FA appears to have only discussed the issue with the Premier League, implying that only a few teams have spoken up once more.
“Ipswich, Southampton, The Leeds, Coventry, Portsmouth, West Brom, Blackburn, Preston, Notts County, Bradford City, Barnsley, Bolton, Cardiff, Huddersfield, Sheffield Wednesday, Derby, Charlton, Blackpool, Sunderland have won the FA Cup, but like all in the EFL, ignored by the Premier League and FA in no replay decision,” Maguire went on to say.
Leeds United should have had a voice on FA Cup replays.
There is little doubt that Leeds and the rest of the EFL clubs should have been given the opportunity to express their opinions on the FA Cup replay issue.
The FA appears to have only discussed the issue with the Premier League, implying that only a few teams have spoken up once more.
While it is a league that is primarily won by a top-tier club, the EFL could have received more consideration throughout the decision-making process.
Championship side Coventry City, one of the past champions cited by Maguire in his tweet, might go to the final if they defeat Manchester United in their semi-final match on Sunday.
Then there’s the fact that replays can represent a lot of money for some of the lower-level clubs.
It’s appalling that the FA has only contacted the Premier League on this issue, as the top tier continues to consolidate its grip on English football.
