Football Association chief executive Martin Glenn has confirmed that those clubs involved in this year’s Quarter Finals of the FA Cup will get a fourth substitute if their ties go to extra time.
With the Quarter Final draw producing the following ties:
Arsenal v Lincoln City
Chelsea v Manchester United
Middlesbrough v Huddersfield Town or Manchester City
Tottenham Hotspur v Millwall
This year from the Quarter Final stage of the FA Cup it had already been agreed by the FA that no games would go to replays in an effort to reduce fixture congestion in the English game.
That means these ties will all be decided upon on the night with extra time and then a penalty shoot out if required and following discussions last season between the FA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) it allowed for the trialling of a fourth substitution for extra time.
With the trial agreed fans will see it in action in the above ties, then the Semi Finals and ultimately the Final before a decision is made on whether to progress this idea into next season but it has already been trialled in the Copa America.
Glenn is quoted by the Standard as explaining.
‘The Emirates FA Cup is renowned for its great history and tradition but, as the game`s governing body, it is important The FA continues to look at how it can further add to the drama and spectacle of a competition loved by millions around the world. With The Cup now adopting a straight knockout format from the quarter finals onwards, the introduction of a fourth substitute in extra time will bring extra intrigue and interest.’
He went on to add.
‘Also, from a technical point of view, it will be interesting to see how managers use the chance to make an additional substitution in such high-profile games and the impact it has on the final result. Player welfare and being mindful of the number of games people play at the elite level has also been a consideration.’
whatever happened to the good old days of ONE sub?