A number of non-league clubs are set to seek permission to switch home FA Cup ties to the venue of Premier League opponents, following the abolition of replays.
Mail Sport understands a group of sides are ready to make the request to the FA – with their case seemingly strengthened after National League Tamworth were robbed of a money-spinning replay with Tottenham on Sunday.
In what would be a historic move, those drawn at home would give up that advantage and instead pocket up to £1m for heading on their travels.
The FA will listen to feedback and ideas at the completion of this year’s competition. However, insiders have disclosed that it is ‘extremely unlikely’ that such a request would be given the green light.
Currently, venues can only be switched on police advice amid safety concerns. The view is that the potential damage to the competition’s integrity would be too much to bear. That stance is unlikely to deter those involved.
They believe that the controversial move to take away replays has stripped them of a vital opportunity for a huge and often vital windfall.
A number of non-league clubs are set to seek permission to switch home FA Cup ties to the venue of Premier League opponents
Non-league Tamworth hosted Premier League giants Tottenham at The Lamb Ground on Sunday
Tamworth were denied the chance of a money-spinning replay in north London after taking Spurs to extra-time, following the abolishment of replays
In previous seasons Tamworth’s 0-0 draw at 90 minutes would have been enough to earn them a trip to Tottenham for a replay and a cash bonanza. However, extra-time followed and the minnows were beaten 3-0.
‘We’re at a stage now where there is virtually no chance of a non-league club defeating Premier League opposition,’ said an official at one of the clubs. ‘So there isn’t really an integrity issue. And given that they’ve got rid of replays it’s a move which makes sense.’
A consultation will be held on the impact of the scrapping of replays. One option may be to send matches that end in a stalemate straight to penalties. The thinking being that, given the varying fitness levels, such a move would hand the non-league club a better chance of progressing.
A return to replays will not be considered, while any proposed changes would be subject to a lengthy consultation period.
