The England FA’s plan to scrap FA Cup replays from next season has opened a pandora box of problems for English football in general.
The move has been met with a barrage of criticisms, particularly by the EFL, who issued an official statement denouncing the plan as they were not consulted before it was resolved.
According to the EFL statement, the plan for a rejigged FA Cup was reached by the Premier League and FA alone without EFL representatives involved.
They have threatened to boycott the competition next season if something is not done.
This means Championship clubs and other outfits in the lower decision in England may not take part in the competition next season if their requests are not met.
Amid the seething row that has pitted the EFL against the Premier League and FA, the Sun reports UK authorities are making plans to step in and resolve the crisis.
According to the report, a bill – Football Regulation Bill – has been proposed by UK MP Tim Farron to give Independent Regulator the power to reverse the FA’s plan to scrap FA Cup replays.
The move by Tim Farron is understood to be a breach of FIFA rules which bars the government from interfering with football administration in FIFA member associations.
The punishment for such interference is usually a ban and suspension from FIFA and FIFA tournaments.
This means England and English clubs could be missing from FIFA tournaments should the UK parliament force the FA to reverse their FA Cup replay decision through the proposed bill by Farron.
It is understood the bill has passed the first reading and is at the second reading. If it is finally passed, it will amount to a direct government interference of football administration in England. This could result in a possible ban of the country from 2026 World Cup.
