This season, the FA Cup has seen replays scrapped from the first round proper onwards, among other notable changes.
The final this year will also take place the weekend before the end of the Premier League season with its own, uncontested weekend.
Plus, the recent third round of fixtures — the first stage that includes Premier League teams — took place a week later than most fans are accustomed to, with league action now occurring during the week to keep things on track.
However, after top flight Tottenham Hotspur were forced into extra-time by non-league underdogs Tamworth before finding the net three times in the additional 30 minutes to advance, there may be another change on the way.
Some prominent figures, including ex-Spurs legend and current TV pundit Gary Lineker, have already been calling for extra-time to be abandoned as well, with penalties instead being adopted as soon as any cup tie ends regular time level.
Now, The Times report that The FA are considering doing exactly that, with the Spurs match serving as a compelling example of why it’s for the best.
MORE: Tamworth vs. Tottenham match report
New change could lead to more upsets
While it’s easy to assume that any more changes to the cup format would favour the big boys and just serve to protect their energy levels through the season, Lineker’s rationale has been the opposite.
“Personally, I think if they’re going to take away replays, they should take away extra time,” Lineker explained on The Rest Is Football.
“Because otherwise, it really favours the strong teams.
“The amount of football that players are playing now, playing replays as well, is tough.
So I understand why they’re doing that – but do away with extra time as well. Even in the (Man United vs. Arsenal) game today, all we wanted then is a penalty shootout at the end.”
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Gary Lineker: Support the lower divisions
Lineker went on to stress that further support for lower-league sides inside and outside of the FA Cup should also be on the Football Association’s agenda.
He said: “If they’re gonna do away with replays – which I think to be honest, as much as it’s a shame – they need to find another way of supporting teams from lower divisions, lower leagues and non-league.
“The pyramid needs to help out a little bit more.”
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