European Leagues
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, 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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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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