FA Cup 3rd Round Replay Rules, Does 3rd Round FA Cup Go to Replay? When are FA Cup 3rd Round Replays?
by Swetha P
Updated Jan 05, 2024
Does 3rd Round FA Cup Go to Replay?
Yes, if matches in the FA Cup's third round end in a draw after the standard 90 minutes of play, they will go to a replay. This rule applies specifically to the third round, offering teams another chance to secure victory without resorting immediately to extra time or penalties.
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FA Cup 3rd Round Replay Rules
During the FA Cup's third round, games can conclude with a draw after the standard 90 minutes. In such cases, teams are set for a replay, a traditional aspect of the tournament that allows for a second chance to determine the victor. These replays have historically provided smaller clubs with financial opportunities but have also raised concerns about fixture congestion for larger, top-tier teams.
However, changes in the rules from the fifth round onwards mean that drawn matches will go to extra time and penalties instead of a replay. This adjustment, introduced in 2018, aimed to reduce fixture congestion for elite teams. In the 2023/24 season, the third and fourth rounds still include replays, but future seasons might see changes to this format due to potential adjustments in the FA Cup's structure and the increased demands on top-tier players.
When Are FA Cup 3rd Round Replays?
FA Cup 3rd Round replays occur if the initial matches end in a draw after regular time. These replays usually take place after the original fixtures and are scheduled to provide teams with another opportunity to claim victory. The specific dates for replays are determined based on fixture congestion and logistical considerations.
FA Cup 3rd Round Schedule
The FA Cup third round for the 2023/24 season features various enticing matchups, showcasing teams from different leagues competing for advancement in this prestigious tournament. The matches will be broadcast live on channels like ITV and BBC, offering fans a chance to witness the action unfold across multiple exciting games.
Thursday, 4 January
Crystal Palace vs Everton
8 pm
ITV4/ ITVX
Friday, 5 January
Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley
8 pm
ITV1/ ITVX/ STV
Saturday, 6 January
Sunderland vs Newcastle United
12:45 pm
ITV1/ ITVX/ STV
Saturday, 6 January
Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa
5:30 pm
BBC One/ BBC iPlayer
Saturday, 6 January
Chelsea vs Preston North End
5:30 pm
BBC Red Button/ BBC iPlayer
Sunday, 7 January
Manchester City vs Huddersfield Town
2 pm
BBC Red Button/ BBC iPlayer
Sunday, 7 January
Shrewsbury Town vs Wrexham
2 pm
BBC iPlayer
Monday, 8 January
Date
Match
Time
TV Channels
Wigan Athletic vs Manchester United
8.15 pm
ITV1/ ITVX/ STV
Does 3rd Round FA Cup Go to Replay - FAQs
No, starting from the fifth round onwards, drawn matches proceed directly to extra time and penalties, eliminating the need for replays.
Replays offer smaller clubs significant income opportunities, especially if their matches are televised, aiding their financial stability.
Future seasons could potentially see revisions to the FA Cup structure, including the elimination of replays in earlier rounds or rescheduling of certain fixtures.
FA Cup matches are broadcast live on channels like BBC and ITV, providing fans with access to the tournament's exciting games.
In the event of a draw during a replay, the match proceeds to extra time and penalties to determine the winner.