FA consider significant rule change after Tamworth denied money-spinning FA Cup replay vs Tottenham
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The FA have a solid stance as a group of non-league football clubs prepare to request permission to switch their FA Cup home ties to Premier League opponents' grounds following the competition's abolition of replays.
The move comes after National League side Tamworth missed out on a potential lucrative replay at Tottenham Hotspur's stadium on Sunday.
The historic proposal would see clubs forfeit home advantage in exchange for paydays worth up to £1m by playing at Premier League venues.
Tamworth's FA Cup tie against Tottenham on Sunday highlighted the impact of abolished replays, as the non-league side were denied a potential North London windfall.
Tamworth vs Tottenham finished 0-0 in normal time
Reuters
After holding Spurs to a 0-0 draw in normal time, Tamworth were forced into extra time where they ultimately lost 3-0.
"I think it obviously would have been a massive amount of money," said Tamworth boss Andy Peaks.
"It's annoying because we've got enough free Tuesdays to add a replay."
FA insiders have indicated such venue-switching requests are 'extremely unlikely' to be approved due to concerns over competition integrity.
Currently, venues can only be switched based on police advice regarding safety concerns.
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The FA will review feedback and ideas after this year's competition concludes, though a return to replays has been ruled out.
Morecambe boss Derek Adams criticised the replay abolition, stating: "I don't think it's right... we want to try and generate as much money for our own club, but the rules are the rules."
One non-league club official argued the proposal would not compromise the competition's integrity.
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Tottenham emerged victorious in the end by winning 3-0 after extra time
Reuters
"We're at a stage now where there is virtually no chance of a non-league club defeating Premier League opposition," the official told Mail Sport.
"So there isn't really an integrity issue."
"And given that they've got rid of replays it's a move which makes sense," the official added.
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Tamworth boss Andy Peaks was left annoyed by the FA Cup situation
Reuters
The FA will conduct a consultation on the impact of scrapping replays, with one option being to send drawn matches directly to penalties.
This proposal aims to give non-league clubs a better chance of progressing, given the varying fitness levels between teams.
Any proposed changes would require a lengthy consultation period, though the FA has made clear there will be no return to replays.
Five FA Cup fixtures went to extra time over the weekend, with several requiring penalties to determine the winners.
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