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FA Cup replays scrapped from first round

FA Cup replays will be scrapped from the first round onwards from next season as part of an agreement with the Premier League,

FA Cup replays will be scrapped from the first round onwards from next season as part of an agreement with the Premier League, the Football Association, FA, announced on Thursday.

The FA had already dropped replays from the fifth round onwards. It said the move to ditch them from earlier rounds had been agreed “in light of changes to the calendar driven by the expanded UEFA (European) competitions”.

From next season the Champions League will feature an extra 64 games. This creates increased pressure on the domestic calendar.

World governing body, FIFA, had announced an expanded 32-team Club World Cup for 2025.

English Football League

But the English Football League (EFL), which oversees tiers two, three and four, said it would seek compensation over the “frustrating and disappointing” decision to scrap replays.

It noted that replays provided vital income for lower division clubs when they played bigger teams.

The FA said all rounds of the FA Cup would now be played at weekends.

Also, there will be no Premier League matches on weekends set aside for the fourth and fifth rounds and the quarter-finals.

Teams from the third and fourth tiers of English football enter the FA Cup in the first round. However, Premier League and Championship clubs join from the third round.

The FA Cup qualifying rounds for clubs outside the top four tiers will still have replays.

Also speaking was EFL chief executive Trevor Birch. He said: “This represents another lost traditional revenue stream for EFL clubs at a time when the financial gap between the biggest clubs and those further down the pyramid is growing bigger than ever.

“We will now be discussing the implications for EFL clubs and seeking appropriate compensation arrangements.”

The changes, which are part of a six-year agreement, will also mean the removal of the mid-season break from the Premier League calendar.

The English top-flight will start the 2024/25 season in mid-August to give players a consecutive three-week break. This takes into account “expert advice from medical and technical departments”.

Financial benefits

As part of the new deal, the Premier League is “providing up to an additional £33 million ($41 million) for grassroots football”.

The FA said the agreement would secure up to £133 million per season in funding in total from the 2025/26 campaign.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “This new agreement between The FA and the Premier League strengthens the FA Cup. It gives this very special tournament exclusive weekends in an increasingly busy calendar.

“The longer summer period also allows a much-needed player break before the start of the next season.”

Premier League chief executive, Richard Masters, also spoke.

He said: “Throughout our discussions, both parties have been committed to enhancing the scheduling of the FA Cup.

“It is a hugely important domestic competition with a storied history.”

The FA Cup semi-finals will be played at Wembley this weekend. Holders, Manchester City, are meeting Chelsea on Saturday and Manchester United facing Coventry on Sunday.

 

 

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European Leagues

Joe Cole Urges Arsenal to Sign Victor Osimhen—Is He the Missing Piece?

Arsenal’s search for a world-class striker has taken center stage again—and this time, former England midfielder Joe Cole has added fuel to the fire by recommending none other than Victor Osimhen.

Speaking on The Dressing Room podcast, Joe Cole made it clear:

I said it last summer that Arsenal should have gone and got Victor Osimhen. I know the money might be a little bit less now, which makes it more enticing. I think in terms of what you’d pay for him and where he’s at in his career, Osimhen would be a good one for Arsenal.

And he’s not wrong.

Why Osimhen Makes Sense for Arsenal

Arsenal has been impressive under Mikel Arteta, but there’s a growing consensus that they need a true goal-poacher to lead the line. While Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have contributed, neither has consistently delivered the type of elite goal-scoring output needed to win the biggest trophies.

That’s where Victor Osimhen comes in.

The Nigerian forward has been electric at Napoli and is currently on loan at Galatasaray, where he’s netted 29 goals this season. Osimhen blends blistering pace, aerial dominance, and clinical finishing—exactly what the Gunners have been missing.

A Deal Worth Doing?

Osimhen’s reported release clause is around €120 million, but Joe Cole suggests his price might be dropping. With Napoli open to negotiations and Osimhen likely eyeing a Premier League move, this summer could be Arsenal’s best shot.

And let’s be honest—a front three of Martinelli – Osimhen – Saka, with Odegaard pulling strings behind, could be title-winning firepower.

Final Thought:

Joe Cole’s suggestion might sound bold, but it makes footballing sense. Arsenal is on the brink of greatness. One smart, powerful signing up front could tip the scales.

So… Is Victor Osimhen the missing piece in Arsenal’s title puzzle?

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Burnley’s Comeback Win Sparks Premier League Dreams

BURNLEY

Burnley FC is on the brink of a Premier League return—and their thrilling 2-1 comeback win over Watford proves they’re ready.

 

Down early in the match, the Clarets showed grit and hunger. Watford’s red cards opened the door, but it was Josh Brownhill’s late winner that sealed the night and sent Burnley soaring to the top of the Championship with 91 points.

 

Under Vincent Kompany’s leadership, Burnley has transformed into a team that plays with belief, balance, and purpose. From a survival mindset to a title-chasing mentality, Kompany’s Burnley is writing a new story—one of redemption and readiness.

 

With a few games to go, the Premier League is within touching distance. And Burnley isn’t just trying to return—they’re aiming to return stronger.

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European Leagues

Leicester’s Heartbreak: From Champions to Championship

Leicester city relegation- Sportmarketinternational

In a jaw-dropping twist, Leicester City has officially been relegated after a narrow 1-0 loss to Liverpool—sealed by a brilliant Trent Alexander-Arnold strike.

This marks a painful fall for the 2016 Premier League champions, just nine years after their fairytale title win. Now, they face life in the Championship—a brutal, unforgiving division.

What Went Wrong?

Inconsistency, shaky defense, and poor recruitment haunted their season. The magic that once defined the Foxes vanished—and fast.

What’s Next?

A summer fire sale is expected:

James Maddison, Wilfred Ndidi, and Harvey Barnes are all likely on the move.

Rebuilding will be key, but promotion will not come easy.

Still, Leicester fans remain loyal—and their story might not be over yet.

From miracle makers to fallen giants… can the Foxes bounce back?

We are watching. You should be too.

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