The secret rule that can help Man Utd and Tottenham avoid an FA Cup replay
Indifferent sides can get fourth round out of the way quickly
The FA Cup is set to lose a little bit more of its magic tomorrow as Manchester Utd and Tottenham have both conspired to put out weakened sides for Saturday’s tea time clash.
Both managers have made it clear their priorities lay elsewhere: Fergie wants to concentrate on the league and Champions League, ‘Arry wants to try and make his palyers look like they give a shit. It’s clear that a replay in the event of a draw would be most unwelcome.
Fortnately, referee Graham Poll has come to both side’s rescue by discovering a little-known replay-avoiding loophole:
Having studied the rulebook yesterday, I learned that it is within the regulations of the FA Cup that extra-time can be played in the first tie if clubs have mutually agreed to play the extra 30 minutes should it be necessary.
Permission is not required from the FA, just confirmation of the clubs’ agreement in writing. Then they just need to inform the referee of the agreement.
We can’t think of an instance in which this rule has been invoked (correct us if we’re wrong), but it seems like a good idea in this circumstance.
4 responses so far
The Big Football // January 23, 2009 at 12:11 pm
To bad some competitions don’t mean shit for some of the big clubs.
Bokolis // January 23, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Given the way the supporters would pack the house, I’m sure the corporate finance would be thrilled to forego the replay gate.
Bill McGlone` // January 23, 2009 at 7:52 pm
I’m amazed as I’ve never heard this rule before and given the big teams reluctance to play replays in a crowded season, I would have thought this rule would have been invoked at some point before!
I wonder what the FA would have to say if anyone utilised the rule? Do you think they would rewrite the rule book?
Nicky Nous // January 24, 2009 at 4:59 pm
what happens if it’s still 0-0 after extra time (and it will be as the players don’t give a shite) Penalties or is there a replay anyway?
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