- Bullingham says new agreement ‘strengthens’ the FA Cup
- Summer break will then become longer with new schedule
The FA has agreed to overhaul the format of the FA Cup in an attempt to secure the future of the competition, with replays to be dropped – starting from the first round proper – and the final moved from its position as the traditional end of season showpiece.
A result of lengthy negotiations between the FA and the Premier League the new settlement will see the latter increase funding to the football pyramid and grassroots by £33m per season. There will also be knock-on effects to the entire domestic calendar with a longer gap between seasons and an end to the recently introduced winter break in the top flight.
