Reading FC have called on the FA to ‘suspend’ their decision after they announced on Thursday that they had agreed with the Premier League to scrap FA Cup replays.
The decision has caused much controversy throughout the football pyramid after the FA confirmed that they would be withdrawing replays from the first-round proper onwards next season.
Many clubs have released statements in the last 24 hours to condemn the decision.
A statement released by Reading says: “Reading Football Club condemns Thursday’s decision made by The FA and the Premier League to withdraw FA Cup replays.
“As a club we have enjoyed some of the most memorable moments in our history through FA Cup replays. Extra time victories at both Anfield and The Hawthorns in the 2009-10 competition, and of course in 2015 where victory over Bradford secured a first semi-final place since 1927.
“The decision by The FA and the Premier League was taken without consultation with the EFL, National League or the wider grassroots community, with the club first made aware of this change via Thursday’s public statement, with no prior warning.
“To alter the rules and regulations of the most-respected cup competition in the world is hugely disappointing, and reinforces the need for a strong and effective independent regulator to govern the National Game.
“The Club therefore calls on The FA to suspend this decision and bring all stakeholders to the table in the interests of sporting integrity.”
