18-04-2024, 12:54 PM
(18-04-2024, 12:49 PM)Rdd Wrote: Isn’t it basically just a knock-on consequence of UEFA needing two extra matchdays for the league phase of the Champions League, which will be two January midweeks around the time (if not necessarily the same weeks) when FA Cup third and and fourth round replays would have been played?
Something had to give, and this has the least impact on the overall football calendar?
20 odd years ago though the Champions League had a second group stage which this new format is no longer than, so if they could have replays then no reason not to now.
(18-04-2024, 12:51 PM)RhysJR Wrote: A sad but inevitable decision.Putting TV viewers above fans in the grounds though. There are pros and cons and the debate moving forward will vary depending on results. I'd say the PL teams being able to hold on an extra 30 minutes with stronger strength in depth and higher fitness levels the chance of upsets. It's extra games they see as a disadvantage.
I wouldn't go as far as saying it devalues the competition. Replays were often awkward to schedule for TV and for teams (the first or second round often clashing with FTA international football an example). This will guarantee a result on the day, which will be good for viewers. Penalty shootouts aee always exciting and provide a likely rating uplift, and this means there could/should be more of them.
Shame the Cup Final moves again from the final match of the eason, devaluing it further. Seems though it's position changes every few years but surely better for players to have the majority of players get an extra weeks break before international tournaments.