The magic of the FA Cup third round returns this weekend, but with a significant twist to its traditional format. Premier League and Championship clubs enter the fray, with lower-league sides dreaming of famous upsets. However, the long-standing drama of a replay is now a thing of the past for these stages of the competition.
What Happens if an FA Cup Third Round Match is a Draw?
Starting from the 2024/25 season, FA Cup replays have been completely abolished from the first round proper onwards. This means that for any third-round tie, including high-profile clashes like Portsmouth vs Arsenal or Charlton Athletic vs Chelsea, a draw after 90 minutes will no longer mean a second match.
Instead, the game will proceed directly to 30 minutes of extra time. If the scores remain level after the additional half-hour, the winner will be determined by the tense finale of a penalty shootout. This change ensures a definitive result on the day, altering a key strategic element for managers and players alike.
Why Were FA Cup Replays Removed?
The decision to scrap replays was announced in April 2024 following an agreement between the Football Association and the Premier League. The new six-year scheduling deal, which also sees the top flight provide an extra £33 million per season for grassroots football, was driven by several factors.
A primary reason cited is the expansion of European competitions, with UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches now scheduled in January. The removal of replays is intended to ease fixture congestion for clubs involved in Europe and across the English Football League (EFL), theoretically aiding player welfare.
However, the move has faced strong criticism, particularly from clubs outside the Premier League. Replays have historically provided vital financial windfalls for smaller clubs, with the extra revenue sometimes crucial for their survival.
The English Football League stated it was not consulted, saying: "This latest agreement... is just a further example of how the EFL and its Clubs are being marginalised in favour of others further up the pyramid." While the FA has agreed to extra payments to compensate clubs, many feel the consultation process was lacking.
Could Extra Time Be Scrapped Next?
The debate around the format is ongoing. Last year, BBC presenter Gary Lineker suggested that the next logical step could be to remove extra time altogether, sending drawn matches straight to penalties. He argued that the additional 30 minutes often favours the stronger, fitter side with deeper squads.
This was highlighted in last season's third round when non-league Tamworth held Tottenham Hotspur to a 0-0 draw after 90 minutes, only for Spurs to score three times in extra time. The FA reviewed the competition format after last season but made no further changes ahead of the current campaign.
The third-round action kicks off on Friday, January 9, 2026, with holders Crystal Palace facing non-league Macclesfield FC, and concludes on Monday, January 12, with Liverpool hosting Barnsley. Fans can expect every tie to reach a conclusion on the day, with the potential for penalty drama now a much more likely prospect.
