The FA released a statement in response to concerns about the approval process for the 2024-25 professional game football calendar. The statement outlined that discussions focused on strengthening all competitions while facing limitations in available dates and maintaining player welfare. The changes to the Emirates FA Cup were highlighted as a means to strengthen the competition by returning it to a weekend format for every round and securing exclusive broadcast slots in a crowded calendar.
The FA also mentioned that they review the prize money annually for the competition and will do the same for the 2024-25 season. The calendar for the next season was approved by the Professional Game Board and then by the FA Board, following a process undertaken every year to approve the calendar. Despite concerns expressed, the FA assured that they would share more details with clubs shortly to explain the additional revenue opportunities in the early rounds.
In response to the changes, various clubs from across the EFL, including Salford, Peterborough, and Cambridge United, criticized the new format. Under the new structure, all FA Cup games will be played on weekends, and the fourth and fifth rounds, as well as the quarter-finals, will be exclusive of Premier League fixtures for the first time. Additionally, the final will take place on the penultimate weekend of the top-flight season, with no Premier League games occurring on the same day.
