Do FA Cup third round games go to extra time or replays? Competition rules explained

The FA Cup third round - the most iconic weekend of the English footballing calendar - will look a little different after the controversial decision to scrap replays

The FA Cup already looks a little different this year following the scrapping of one of its oldest traditions.

Replays from the first round proper onwards are no more after the FA struck a new scheduling deal with the Premier League, which will increase funding to the grassroots game by up to an extra £33million per season. The agreement, which will be in place for at least six years, was met with outcry from many EFL and non-league clubs when it was announced last year.

They claimed they were not properly consulted over the changes, alleging the decision had only been made in the interests of top Premier League clubs. Replays had already been scrapped from the fifth round onwards.

Therefore, this weekend’s third round ties will be settled on the day with extra-time and penalties if necessary. As a sweetener for FA Cup devotees, ties were supposed to be played around weekends, although this year’s third round action begins on a Thursday night with three ties before concluding on Monday night.

As of Saturday evening, only three ties would have gone to second matches, with Burnley and Stoke winning in extra time and Coventry overcoming Sheffield Wednesday on penalties.

But the most high-profile application of the new rules came on Sunday afternoon, when Tamworth of the National League held Premier League Tottenham to a 0-0 draw at the Lamb Stadium. That typically would have earned them a lucrative replay in north London, but instead were made to continue playing for another 30 minutes - where their resistance was finally broken.

The fourth and fifth rounds and the quarter-finals all will be exclusive of Premier League fixtures for the first time. The final will take place on the penultimate weekend of the season with no Premier League matches taking place on the same day.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said the changes would “strengthen” the world ’s oldest cup competition. He said: “The Emirates FA Cup is our biggest asset and generates over 60 per cent of our revenue to invest in the game, so it is critical to secure a strong format for the future.”

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"This new agreement between the FA and the Premier League strengthens the Emirates FA Cup and gives this very special tournament exclusive weekends in an increasingly busy calendar.

"The new schedule ensures the magic of the Cup is protected and enhanced, while working for the whole of the English game. The longer summer period also allows a much-needed player break before the start of the next season.”

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters added: "Throughout our discussions, both parties have been committed to enhancing the scheduling of the Emirates FA Cup, a hugely important domestic competition with a storied history.”

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