London, Aug 13 (IANS) There will be no replays during the 2020/21 season of the FA Cup, England’s Football Association said on Thursday while announcing the schedule of the tournament for next season.
“In order to assist in easing pressure on the football schedule, there will be no replays for the 2020-21 season,” said the FA in its statement. The preliminary rounds will begin on September 1 after which the qualifications will begin on September 22.
The first round of matches will be played on November 7. The final is scheduled for May 15, 2021.
“The list of accepted clubs and round exemptions has also been released, while the early draws for the extra preliminary and preliminary rounds will be released on Tuesday 18 August,” said the FA.
“After two seasons of record levels of prize funds, the Emirates FA Cup prize fund has returned back in line with 2017-18 levels due to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The semi-final of the Carabao Cup will also be one-legged affairs.
The FA Cup final this season was played on August 1 at an empty Wembley stadium amid the coronavirus pandemic. Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 with captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring twice to win a record extending 14th title.
–IANS
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