The question of scrapping FA Cup replays (they already in the fifth round) is a highly emotive topic. I do not agree with Jurgen Klopp's decision to absent himself from Liverpool's replay with Shrewsbury Town. I can understand the arguments about the winter break, and it is arguable that the timing of it is wrong. However, Klopp's decision looks rather arrogant and patronising.
There is a lot of talk about the 'magic of the FA Cup', but attendances, particularly in the earlier rounds, suggest that that magic is lost on many fans. Cup competitions are very much secondary ones on the continent which is why the Cup Winners' Cup was scrapped. They are not a real measure of ability as too much rests on chance, although, of course, that is the very element that appeals to fans as do 'giant killings'. However, they are not really 'giant killings' when leading clubs put out reserve teams.
FA Cup success can, of course, have a major impact on the finances of lower league or non-league clubs. In 2006 Burton Albion were a part-time Conference club with a new stadium to fund. Then they drew Manchester United in the FA Cup.
Burton chairman Ben Robinson explained to The Football League Paper that they got a 0-0 draw at home. This was shown live on television which earned them £150,000. The replay at Old Trafford was also shown live, earning them another £150,000. They got 50 per cent of the 53,000 crowd. With sponsorship deals and hospitality, the total was close to £1m. Bank borrowings were wiped out and it provided the platform for promotion to the EFL in 2009.
However, perhaps we are looking at the problem the wrong way round. Whether a club gets a lucrative match is, literally, the luck of the draw. Arguably what is really needed is a more generous and stable transfer of funds to lower league clubs: Time to scrap replays
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