Will the FA Cup Embrace Champions League-Style Anthems?

The Football Association (FA) is set to introduce new anthems for both the men's and women's FA Cup tournaments, created by a company under Universal Music Group. This initiative aims to enhance the matchday experience, similar to the iconic Champions League anthem. The FA intends to appoint a British composer for original theme music for each tournament, while maintaining the tradition of "Abide With Me," which has been played at the FA Cup final since 1927.

Last updated: 24 September 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The FA has commissioned Universal Music Group to create anthems for the men's and women's FA Cup tournaments, which are expected to be played before each match. This decision is part of a broader strategy to elevate the profile of both competitions and draw parallels with the UEFA Champions League, which features its own renowned anthem. The FA's initiative will see separate theme music composed for each tournament, to be used widely in broadcasting, enhancing the overall presentation of the matches.

Key takeaways

The FA has commissioned new anthems for the men's and women's FA Cups.
A British composer will create distinct theme music for both tournaments.
The new anthems will not replace the traditional hymn "Abide With Me."
The anthems aim to enhance the matchday atmosphere, similar to the Champions League anthem.
The rights for broadcasting the men's and women's FA Cups are divided among major UK networks.

Timeline: how we got here

Below is a brief timeline highlighting key dates related to the FA Cup and the introduction of the new anthems:

1927: "Abide With Me" is first played at the FA Cup final, marking a long-standing tradition.
1992: The Champions League anthem, composed by Tony Britten, is introduced.
2015: UEFA introduces an anthem for the Europa League.
2023: The FA commissions Universal Music Group to create new anthems for the men's and women's FA Cups.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The announcement of new anthems for the FA Cup tournaments signifies a fresh approach by the FA to modernise and enhance the fan experience. The involvement of a British composer to create unique music for both competitions marks a significant move towards establishing their own identities.

What was already established

The tradition of "Abide With Me" at the FA Cup final remains unchanged, emphasising the importance of heritage in the face of new innovations. The Champions League anthem, which has been widely acclaimed, serves as a benchmark for what the FA hopes to achieve.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK consumers and football fans, the introduction of new anthems could enhance the emotional connection to the FA Cup, potentially increasing viewership and attendance. The broadcasting rights shared between BBC, TNT, and Channel 4 will ensure broader access to the tournaments, thereby promoting community engagement.

Businesses and jobs

This initiative may create opportunities for local talent within the music industry and related sectors, as the FA seeks a British composer. Furthermore, increased viewer engagement could lead to higher advertising revenues for broadcasters, benefiting the overall sports economy.

Policy and regulation

The FA's decision to commission these anthems falls within its broader strategy to modernise football in England. Future consultations and audience feedback may play a role in how these changes are received and whether further adaptations are necessary.

Numbers that matter

1927: The year "Abide With Me" began its tradition at the FA Cup final.
1992: The introduction of the Champions League anthem.
2015: UEFA's launch of the Europa League anthem.
2023: The year the FA commissions new anthems for the FA Cups.
£100 million: Estimated value of broadcasting rights for the FA Cup shared between broadcasters.

Definitions and jargon buster

FA Cup: An annual knockout football competition in men's football in England, organised by the Football Association.
Anthem: A musical composition that is a symbol of a particular group or event, often played at significant occasions.
Broadcasting rights: Legal permissions granted to broadcasters to transmit events or content to the public.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the coming weeks, fans can expect more information regarding the composers and the specific music styles that will be used. The FA is likely to engage with fans to gather feedback on their expectations.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the new anthems are developed, the FA will likely begin to incorporate them into pre-match routines, gradually introducing them at matches leading up to the finals.

Signals to watch

Announcement of the appointed British composer.
Fan feedback and engagement metrics regarding the new anthems.
Broadcasting performance ratings following the introduction of the anthems.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with your local football community to discuss the upcoming changes.
Stay updated on match schedules and broadcasting times.
Participate in fan forums or surveys regarding the new anthems.

Don’t

Dismiss the importance of tradition in football culture.
Assume the new anthems will replace established customs without further information.
Neglect to share your thoughts with broadcasters or the FA regarding the anthems.

Checklist

Verify when your favourite FA Cup matches are scheduled.
Check broadcasting channels for coverage of the tournaments.
Follow updates on the new anthem's development.
Engage with your club’s fan base regarding the changes.
Consider how the changes may influence your matchday experience.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

There is always uncertainty surrounding the reception of new musical compositions, particularly in a sport steeped in tradition like football. While the FA aims to enhance the matchday experience, there may be mixed reactions from fans who hold the existing traditions in high regard. The effectiveness of the new anthems in engaging audiences remains to be seen, and the FA will need to navigate potential pushback from purists.

Bottom line

The introduction of new anthems for the men's and women's FA Cup tournaments signifies a modern approach by the FA to enhance the fan experience while honouring long-standing traditions. As these changes unfold, they may reshape how fans connect with the competitions, potentially influencing the future of football culture in the UK.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the new FA Cup anthems?

The new FA Cup anthems aim to enhance the matchday experience and establish a unique identity for both the men's and women's tournaments, similar to the Champions League anthem.

Will "Abide With Me" still be played at the FA Cup final?

Yes, the FA has confirmed that "Abide With Me" will continue to be played at the FA Cup final, preserving this long-standing tradition.

Who will compose the new FA Cup anthems?

The FA plans to appoint a British composer to create separate theme music for both the men's and women's FA Cup tournaments, ensuring a unique musical identity for each.