FA Cup 2021-22: Replays in FA Cup third and fourth-round scrapped –The FA have confirmed that third and fourth-round replays have been scrapped this season to aid fixture congestion caused by COVID-19 postponements. A number of Premier League and Football League games were called off last weekend after teams returned positive cases during testing. Follow the Latest Football updates on InsideSport.IN
Last season, no replays took place throughout the competition to “ease pressure” on the football calendar. This decision was approved by the FA Board on Friday and has been taken in the wider interest of English football to alleviate the possibility of fixture congestion following several postponements in recent days and continued uncertainty ahead due to COVID-19. In total, outbreaks at various clubs have forced the postponement of 10 Premier League games so far.
The FA can today confirm that replays have been removed in both the Third and Fourth Rounds of the 2021/22 #EmiratesFACup.
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— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) December 20, 2021
EMIRATES FA CUP STATEMENT:
“We can today confirm that replays have been removed in both the third and fourth rounds of the 2021/22 Emirates FA Cup,” read an official statement.
“This decision has been taken in the wider interest of English football to alleviate the possibility of fixture congestion following several postponements in recent days and continued uncertainty ahead due to COVID-19.
“Ties in the third and fourth rounds of this season’s competition will be played to a finish on the day, with extra-time and penalty shootouts if required.”
The Football Association on Monday confirmed that replays have been removed in both the third and fourth rounds of the 2021-22 FA Cup. Ties in the third and fourth rounds of this season’s competition will be played to a finish on the day, with extra time and penalty shootouts if required.
Replays will return up to and including the fourth round of the FA Cup from the 2022-23 season onwards. Replays are a traditional feature of the FA Cup, and are notably an opportunity for lower-league clubs to secure a money-making return match should they take a draw against one of the Premier League giants in the early rounds.
The FA Cup third round is due to take place across January 7-10, 2022. The fourth round is set to be held across the weekend of February 5-6. Last season, no replays took place throughout the competition to “ease pressure” on the football calendar.
The #EmiratesFACup third round tv picks have been selected! 📺
Which games will you be watching? 👀 pic.twitter.com/7oLuRn4MnV
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) December 9, 2021
FA Cup 2021-22: FA confirm replays in FA Cup third and fourth-round scrapped after COVID chaos
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