FA Cup Controversy: Fans Slam Proposed Changes to Women’s Competition
Chelsea has dominated the Women’s FA Cup, lifting the trophy in four of the past five seasons. However, a proposed new format for the competition is facing fierce backlash from supporters’ clubs, who argue the changes will diminish the tournament’s unique appeal and exacerbate the financial disparities between clubs.
The Proposed Changes
The Football Association (FA) has suggested a ‘road-to-Wembley bracket’ system, outlining a team’s path from the last 32 onwards. Crucially, the proposal includes seeding in the draw, granting four automatic spots to the top four teams from the previous Women’s Super League (WSL) season. This comes on the heels of a significant revamp of the Women’s League Cup, set to adopt a Swiss-style format and a new name next season. Teams qualifying for the Women’s Champions League will no longer participate in the League Cup.
According to a summary document reviewed by The Guardian, the FA believes these changes will lead to “high chances of consistent high-quality matches throughout the later rounds.”
Fan Outcry and Concerns
Despite the FA’s intentions, the proposal has ignited a storm of protest on social media. SheGulls, representing Brighton & Hove Albion fans, expressed concern that preferential treatment for ‘elite level teams’ will only widen the gap in quality across the football pyramid. They argue that the focus on ‘super matches’ is eroding the sporting merit of the game, potentially leaving lower-tier teams with little chance of competing.
Fulham Women Supporters Club, representing a fourth-tier team, labeled the idea “ridiculous,” stating it contradicts the core principles of the FA Cup. Everton Women’s Official Supporters Club echoed this sentiment, lamenting the potential loss of the competition’s “magic” and accusing the FA of prioritizing money over the integrity of the women’s game.
Current Format and Historical Dominance
Currently, the Women’s FA Cup mirrors the men’s competition, with an open draw following each round. Teams from tiers four to seven participate in preliminary and qualifying rounds, with Women’s National League teams joining in the first round proper and WSL2 teams in the third round. The 12 WSL sides (expanding to 14 next season) enter in the fourth round (last 32).
Historically, the competition has been dominated by a select few teams. Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Manchester City have collectively won the past 13 Women’s FA Cup titles, raising questions about the fairness of the current system and the potential impact of the proposed changes.
FA’s Stance and Future Outlook
An FA spokesperson acknowledged that “no decisions have been made” but emphasized the need for the competition to “evolve” and strengthen its commercial potential. They stated that this evolution is crucial for reinvesting funding into the competition and the wider women’s football ecosystem.
While the FA maintains it is seeking feedback and consultation, WSL clubs have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the “sporting integrity” of the competition. Some believe the changes unnecessarily favor elite clubs, while others argue that the Women’s League Cup format was recently adapted to enhance competitiveness. The debate continues, leaving the future of the Women’s FA Cup uncertain.
Stay updated on Women’s Football: BBC Sport – Women’s Super League
