Fifth-round matches in this season's FA Cup will be settled on the day, with no replays, the Football Association has announced.
The decision to scrap fifth-round replays from the 2019/20 season was made earlier this year in order to create space in the calendar for a mid-winter break from February 2020 onward.
But the qualification of six Premier League teams to the knockout stages in Europe has persuaded the Professional Game Board to bring the move forward a year to alleviate fixture congestion in February and March.
In a statement, the FA said: "This season's fifth round will remain as originally scheduled on the weekend of 16/17 February, moving to midweek in 2019/20 - with no replays - as part of the mid-season player break agreed by the FA, Premier League and English Football League in June.
"Therefore, from this season onward, fifth-round games will be played to a finish on the day, with extra-time and penalties if necessary."
Two fifth-round ties went to replays last season: Sheffield Wednesday v Swansea and Rochdale v Spurs. League One's Rochdale equalised in injury time to set up their visit to Wembley but lost the replay 6-1, while Swansea won at home 2-0 after a 0-0 draw at Hillsborough.
To compensate for the loss of a replay this season, the FA will split the £360,000 prize-fund payment for winning a fifth-round tie that goes beyond 90 minutes on a 75/25 basis in favour of the winning team. From next season, however, the winner will take it all, as normal.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel