Replays for FA Cup quarter-final matches will not be used from next season, the Football Association has revealed.
In a move approved by the FA board on Thursday, the last-eight stage of the cup competition will revert to a sudden-death format over one weekend in a bid to ease English football’s congested fixture list.
FA chief executive Martin Glenn said: “The Emirates FA Cup remains at the heart of English football and this change adds to the excitement of the competition and will benefit the wider game in general.
The Football Association said the decision was part of its “ongoing review” and would help to “ease English football’s congested fixture schedule”.
Semi-final replays were phased out after Manchester United beat Arsenal in 1999 on their way to the treble.
Replays in earlier rounds remain, which means lower-league clubs still have the opportunity to earn lucrative second matches against higher-ranked clubs.
“With great attendances and TV figures, this season has confirmed the cup’s special status – underlined by great stories culminating in Manchester United’s triumph at Wembley last Saturday.
FA chief executive Martin Glenn said the change “adds excitement”.
He added: “While fully respecting tradition and history, this new development will help the cup retain its status as a much-loved and world-renowned competition.”
Manchester United beat West Ham in a replay in this season’s quarter-finals before going on to lift the trophy in the final at Wembley.
