Walsall has become the latest club to issue a statement in response to the recent news that the Football Association and Premier League have agreed to scrap replays in the proper stages of the FA Challenge Cup.Despite top flight teams not entering the competition until the Third Round, the teams have claimed that replays add to their apparently high levels of fixture congestion, though many are not fooled.
Issued via their official website, the statement reads: Walsall Football Club is disappointed with the decision taken by The FA and the Premier League to change the format of the FA Cup with the removal of replays.
This agreement was made without any formal consultation with EFL Clubs, as well as those in the National Leagues and at Grassroots level, which we feel shows a lack of respect to clubs further down the pyramid and their supporters as the competition presents clubs like ourselves with the best opportunity to create fantastic memories for our supporters as well as providing an important source of revenue.
We stand united with the broader football community, fully supporting the EFL’s stance, and hope both the Premier League and the FA re-evaluate their approach to their footballing partnership with the EFL and engage more collaboratively on issues that directly affect EFL clubs.