Are there replays in the FA Cup? Many have been asking on Google after a number of changes made to the competition in recent years.
The English Football Association decided to remove replays from the third and fourth round of the FA Cup in December during the 2021/22 campaign last season, as announced in their official statement at the time.
That decision was taken to avoid even more fixture congestion following a number of postponements due to COVID-19, which was also the reason for replays being shelved in the 2019/20 season.
So, are replays back this season? Let’s take a look…
Are there replays in the FA Cup?
We can confirm that replays are back.
The FA arguably could have removed replays this season as well, due to postponements caused by the death of Queen Elizabeth as well as the disruption caused by World Cup action.
However, replays will return for the 2022/23 edition of the FA Cup, in news that should delight clubs in the lower echelons of English football – matchday revenue from a replay at Old Trafford, for example, is invaluable to them.
There is one exception, though.
Due to fixture congestion caused by the World Cup, the FA will squeeze the fifth round into a midweek schedule, where eight FA Cup ties at that stage of the competition will go straight to extra-time or penalties.
Is the FA Cup a replay or extra time?
FA Cup ties this season will go to a replay up until the quarter-final stage, with the exception of the fifth round for reasons mentioned above.
From the quarter-final stage onwards, the game goes to extra-time and penalties as the importance of the fixture intensifies.
The four sides who progress beyond the quarter-final stage will get to play at Wembley Stadium for the semi-finals, with the final also held there, as per usual.
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