by MICHAEL Carrick has said Middlesbrough are disappointed by this week’s controversial decision to scrap the FA Cup play-offs from next season – with Boro not consulting him before the announcement, sparking anger among EFL clubs.
The EFL today condemned the decision and called on the FA and the Premier League to reconsider the announcement following the angry backlash.
In a damning statement, the League said scrapping play-offs from the first round onwards “is just another example of how the EFL and its clubs are being marginalized in favor of others further up the pyramid and it does not that’s just a threat to the future of the English. game”.
Bosses across the EFL have criticized the decision since Thursday’s announcement, with Carrick speaking on behalf of Boro at his press conference ahead of Monday’s game against Leeds United.
He said: “From the club’s point of view, we are disappointed with the decision that has been made. It is taken out of our hands.
“For the club, it is what it is. For me, it’s irrelevant at this stage. It’s a shame because there’s a lot of good experience that could come from the playoffs.
“It gives a lot of clubs a huge opportunity to create special nights and memories and that won’t be the case now.
“Because of the nature of football, it’s always moving and adapting and changing over time, but either way, from the club’s point of view, we’re disappointed.”
The Football Association insists they understand the “concern” of EFL clubs about the end of the FA Cup play-offs and will be sharing details with them on how new revenue will be generated.
They said in a statement on Friday: “We have been discussing the calendar for the 2024-25 season with the Premier League and EFL for over a year.
“There was talk of taking the Emirates FA Cup play-offs off early and all parties accepted they could not continue. The discussion then focused on how to strengthen all our tournaments, despite having fewer dates available and trying to maintain the interests of the players.”
But the football league hit back, saying in a statement: “The EFL wishes to further clarify its position in relation to the Premier League and Football Association’s bilateral announcement regarding the abolition of the FA Cup play-offs and the role of League representatives on the . Professional Game Board (PGB).
“The agreement which sees the removal of replays from the competition-only format has only been agreed by the Premier League and the FA. Prior to the announcement of the agreement there was no agreement with the EFL and no formal consultation with EFL clubs as members of the League on the Implementation of the European Union) FA and participants in the competition.
“In September 2023, the EFL first discussed possible changes to the FA Cup format with clubs but only as part of a wider and more fundamental change in financial allocations. As it now appears, there has been no movement in this area from September.
“This latest deal between the Premier League and the FA, in the absence of financial reform, is just another example of how the EFL and its clubs are being marginalized in favor of others further up the pyramid and only threaten the future. of the English game.
“The EFL today calls on both the Premier League and the FA, as the Governing Body, to reassess their approach to their football partnership with the EFL and to engage more collaboratively on issues that directly affect our clubs.”
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Mark Robins, whose Coventry side face Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Sunday, said: “You look at the foundation and the EFL, down below, they’re all part of the pyramid that they have to build up and to nurture. ultimately feeds the Premier League. We have all played a part in developing them and that should not be forgotten or forgotten.”
West Ham manager David Moyes was asked about the changes at his press conference on Friday and said: “I think the football schedule is too full, I think there are too many games. Something has to give in football somewhere or you might find it very difficult.
“I’m not saying this is what had to be given, but somewhere along the line, I think something will have to be released to give the players a little more space.”
Moyes’ Manchester United team-mate Erik ten Hag said scrapping the replays was “sad” but “inevitable”.
A Downing Street spokesman gave the Government’s view on the matter.
“David and Goliath fixtures are part of the magic of the cup. And we know that play-offs have been welcomed as a source of income for smaller clubs for years,” the spokesman said.
“However, these are decisions for the football authorities, but it is clearly the duty of the FA and the Premier League to explain this decision and why it is in the best interest of the fans.”
