The Walsall Football Supporters' Trust has issued a statement in response to the recent news that the Football Association and Premier League had agreed a deal that will see Replays scrapped from next season's FA Cup competition.Joining a growing chorus of criticism, the Trust has urged the FA to reconsider their decision and work with clubs up and down the football pyramid in a bid to secure a deal that benefits the beautiful game as a whole.
Issued via their recently relaunched X account, the statement reads: The Walsall Football Supporters' Trust wishes to express its profound disappointment and concern regarding the recent decision by The Football Association (FA) and the Premier League to eliminate replays from the FA Cup competition.
This decision, made without meaningful consultation with clubs or their supporters, undermines the integrity and the democratic spirit of the competition. FA Cup replays have been a cornerstone of the tournament, offering smaller clubs a rare opportunity to compete on equal footing with the giants of the game, often resulting in historic matches that remain in the hearts of fans forever.
These replays are not only a cherished tradition but also a critical financial lifeline for lower-league clubs like Walsall FC, providing essential revenue that helps sustain our operations and community initiatives.
By removing replays, the FA and the Premier League have not only deprived clubs of these opportunities but have also shown a lack of consideration for the fans, who are the lifeblood of the game.
This move may increase the financial divide in English football and marginalise the smaller clubs, which are already facing significant challenges. We stand united with Walsall FC and the broader football community in opposing this decision.
We urge the FA and the Premier League to reconsider their stance and engage in a more transparent and inclusive consultation process in the future, one that truly considers the impact of such decisions on all stakeholders in football.
The Walsall Football Supporters' Trust remains committed to advocating for the rights and voices of our members and fans, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our club and its supporters are treated with the respect they deserve.