We would like to join the wider football community is sharing our dismay at the recent announcement by The FA and Premier League to abolish match replays from The FA Cup.
The decision, made without consulting key stakeholders such as the EFL, National League, and grassroots teams, reflects a concerning trend of sidelining the voices of those who form the backbone of football at the grassroots level. Pontefract Collieries FC joins numerous other clubs in expressing disappointment over being excluded from the decision-making process, which directly impacts countless football clubs up and down the country.
Match replays have been a lifeline for clubs like ours, providing crucial revenue and exposure that helps sustain our operations and bring growth within our community. The decision to scrap replays without consultation demonstrates a lack of understanding of the challenges faced by non-league and football league clubs.
Furthermore, the decision to prioritise the interests of elite teams at the expense of grassroots football is a disheartening blow. By disregarding the needs and perspectives of the majority of clubs, The FA and Premier League risk alienating the very communities that form the foundation of football in England.
Pontefract Collieries FC calls upon The FA and Premier League to reconsider this decision and engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders to ensure that the future of football in England remains bright and equitable for clubs of all sizes.