F.A. Cup 2011

 

FA promises more Cup final chaos in 2012


Next year's FA Cup final will once again also be held on the same weekend as a full Premier League programme.

Traditionalists are up in arms and Premier League bosses including finalists Stoke�s Tony Pulis have slated the decision to schedule tomorrow�s Wembley showdown on the same day as four top flight games, including Manchester United�s likely title clincher at Blackburn

Events at Ewood Park are set to overshadow the clash between Manchester City and Stoke, to the fury of many in the game.

But FA chairman David Bernstein, who revealed the showpiece game is set to kick-off at 5.15pm rather than the traditional 3pm from next season, admitted there will be another clash with league games in 2012.

Bernstein said: �In the course of time we will be looking to get the Cup final back to its traditional date at the end of the season.

�The situation arises not because of the Premier League but European football and Champions League considerations, with the [Champions League] final here at Wembley in a fortnight.

�This year, the Champions League final being here is the key thing. There are only so many Saturdays in a month and the amount of Champions League fixtures has squeezed the calendar.

�But next year - and I can say that now, unfortunately - we are not able to hold it at the end of the season because of the lack of dates and the need to give four clear weeks before the start of Euro 2012.�

Next year�s FA Cup final will be played on May 5, with the Premier League finishing eight days later.

Quizzed over whether all this weekend�s Premier League games could not have been played on Sunday, Bernstein added: �I don�t believe we put any particular pressure on the Premier League to have no games on the same day.

�I understand and sympathise with the Premier League situation. They have TV contracts and need to play certain matches when they do. I have to say I�m pleased that there is no crossover with timing.�

But Bernstein confirmed the planned wholesale review of the FA Cup, which saw ideas such as seeding the draw, no replays and matches being played midweek being floated, has been virtually shelved for a competition that is currently without a sponsor for next season.

�We thought many of the ideas would degrade a great traditional competition,� he added. �But we have agreed to reduce the minimum price clubs can charge for games, and we will be moving to a later FA Cup final kick-off.

�Kicking off at 5.15pm is potentially more popular with viewers.

"There was some reluctance in research to do that but, all in all, it is a good move that will increase the TV value of the competition.�