Overview

• FA Cup replays have been eliminated from the first round onwards to accommodate the expanded Champions League schedule.
• Critics argue that the decision primarily benefits a few top Premier League clubs, leaving smaller clubs without potential revenue from replays.
• Guiseley, a non-league club, missed out on a potential £50,000 from a replay against Stevenage, highlighting financial losses for lower-tier teams.
• James Pickles, Guiseley's general manager, expressed frustration over the lack of consultation with smaller clubs before the decision was made.
• While some argue that scrapping replays increases chances of upsets, the financial compensation for losing clubs does not match potential replay earnings.