Is the Women's FA Cup Revamp Stalled by Controversial Criticism?

The proposed changes to the Women's FA Cup format, which would have involved seeding the top four teams and restructuring the pathway to Wembley, have been scrapped for the upcoming season. Following feedback from supporters and stakeholders, the FA will continue with the traditional format, ensuring that the competition retains its unique character and accessibility for clubs across all tiers.

Last updated: 26 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The FA has decided not to implement the planned changes to the Women's FA Cup format for the next season. Initially, the proposed changes included seeding the top four teams from the previous Women's Super League (WSL) season and mapping out clear pathways to Wembley from the last 32 teams onwards. The FA suggested that these changes would enhance the quality of matches and improve commercial opportunities. However, after receiving significant backlash from supporters, the FA has opted to extend the consultation phase to gather more insights from fans, clubs, and stakeholders before making any changes.

Key takeaways

The FA will not change the Women's FA Cup format for the next season.
Proposals included seeding top teams and altering pathways to the final.
Supporters expressed concerns that changes would diminish the competition's magic.

Timeline: how we got here

Several key milestones have shaped the current decision regarding the Women's FA Cup format:

October 2023: The FA initially proposes changes to the Women's FA Cup format, aiming to enhance match quality and commercial potential.
Mid-October 2023: The proposals are reported in the media, sparking widespread criticism from supporters and clubs.
Late October 2023: Following backlash, the FA announces it will not implement changes for the upcoming season and will extend the consultation phase.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The FA's decision to abandon the proposed changes to the Women's FA Cup format is a significant development. This follows a wave of criticism from fan groups who expressed that the changes would undermine the competitive nature of the tournament and favour wealthier clubs.

What was already established

Prior to this decision, the Women's FA Cup followed a traditional knockout format similar to the men's version, allowing teams from various tiers of women's football to compete against each other. The FA Cup has been celebrated for its unpredictability and the opportunity it provides for lower-tier teams to face top-level clubs.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The decision to maintain the current format of the Women's FA Cup is likely to be welcomed by fans who appreciate the tournament's traditional structure. It ensures that matches remain competitive and accessible, preserving the excitement and unpredictability that characterise knockout football.

Businesses and jobs

For clubs across the football pyramid, the decision may have positive implications. Smaller clubs will have the chance to compete against top teams, potentially increasing matchday revenue and sponsorship opportunities. However, without changes to the commercial structure, the disparity in funding between clubs may remain a challenge.

Policy and regulation

The FA's commitment to extending the consultation phase indicates a willingness to engage with stakeholders regarding the future of the Women's FA Cup. This approach reflects a broader trend within football governance, where fan opinions are increasingly considered in decision-making processes.

Numbers that matter

4: The top four teams from the previous WSL season were proposed to be seeded in the new format.
7: The number of tiers in the women's football pyramid, with the FA Cup allowing teams from the fourth tier and below to compete.
£10 million: Estimated revenue disparity between top-tier clubs and lower-tier teams in women's football, highlighting financial inequalities.

Definitions and jargon buster

FA Cup: The oldest football competition in the world, open to teams from all levels of the football league system in England.
WSL: Women's Super League, the top tier of women's football in England.
Seeding: A process used in tournaments to arrange match fixtures so that the strongest teams do not meet until later rounds.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

The FA will be engaging further with supporters and clubs to gather opinions on the future of the Women's FA Cup. Fans can expect announcements regarding consultation meetings and feedback opportunities.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the FA continues to consult, it will likely assess the viability of any proposed changes based on the feedback received. This period may also see discussions about the broader financial structure of women's football.

Signals to watch

Upcoming announcements from the FA regarding consultation outcomes.
Responses from fans and clubs following further engagement initiatives.
Potential discussions on financial reforms in women's football during FA meetings.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with your local club's supporters' group to express your views on the FA Cup format.
Stay informed about upcoming FA announcements regarding consultations.
Attend matches to support teams at all levels during the FA Cup.

Don’t

Dismiss the importance of grassroots feedback in shaping the future of the competition.
Assume that changes will be implemented without adequate consultation.
Ignore the financial disparities affecting clubs across the pyramid.

Checklist

Have you provided feedback to your club regarding the FA Cup format?
Are you following updates from the FA on the consultation process?
Have you attended recent matches to support women's football?
Do you understand the current structure of the Women's FA Cup and its implications?
Are you aware of the financial challenges faced by lower-tier clubs?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the FA's decision to retain the current format of the Women's FA Cup is a positive step for many, uncertainties remain regarding future changes. The FA's commitment to consultation does not guarantee that the proposals will be completely abandoned, and feedback from stakeholders will be crucial in shaping the competition's future. Additionally, the ongoing financial inequalities in women's football could pose challenges for the long-term sustainability of lower-tier teams.

Bottom line

The FA's decision to halt the proposed changes to the Women's FA Cup format reflects a positive response to fan concerns about preserving the competition's unique character. However, ongoing discussions about financial disparities and the overall structure of women's football remain critical for ensuring a fair and competitive environment for all clubs in the pyramid.

FAQs

What changes were proposed to the Women's FA Cup?

The proposed changes included seeding the top four teams from the previous WSL season and creating defined pathways to the semi-finals, eliminating draws from the fourth round onwards.

Why were the changes scrapped?

The changes were scrapped following significant backlash from supporters and stakeholders who feared it would erode the competition's magic and favour wealthier clubs.

What is the current format of the Women's FA Cup?

The Women's FA Cup currently follows a traditional knockout structure, allowing teams from different tiers of women's football to compete against each other in a series of rounds.