The devaluation of the FA Cup

[Mobin]

I was talking with a mate of mine recently about how quickly it seems the FA Cup has gone down in many's estimation. I think it's a fantastic and very special cup, and can't help but feel it will only become less and less prestigious if something is not done. Now, I'll add that I'm only 28, so I'm hardly ancient.

As a Man Utd supporter, I feel the top teams are somewhat to blame for this. Everything is about top 4 and league placement, and many fans of the bigger clubs seem to think it's more of a nuisance than anything. I get that fans of clubs like Wigan or Hull (no disrespect intended) would still be over the moon with a good cup run, but it feels like even the lower placed prem teams would rather rest a few players for the league games now.

Do any of you feel the same way and think something can be done about this trend? Or is it just the natural consequense of the money and a more global sport?

 

[Sweeneytoad]

I was talking with a mate of mine recently about how quickly it seems the FA Cup has gone down in many's estimation. I think it's a fantastic and very special cup, and can't help but feel it will only become less and less prestigious if something is not done. Now, I'll add that I'm only 28, so I'm hardly ancient.

As a Man Utd supporter, I feel the top teams are somewhat to blame for this. Everything is about top 4 and league placement, and many fans of the bigger clubs seem to think it's more of a nuisance than anything. I get that fans of clubs like Wigan or Hull (no disrespect intended) would still be over the moon with a good cup run, but it feels like even the lower placed prem teams would rather rest a few players for the league games now.

Do any of you feel the same way and think something can be done about this trend? Or is it just the natural consequense of the money and a more global sport?

Like you say it's a lot to do with the money. You could say that the big FA cup fixtures, eg last 16 onwards start to clash with the big European games, so managers have to prioritise which is more important and they are always going to go with the european fixtures, as this will generate the biggest income for the club. One option could be to take the champions league place off 4th and give it to the FA cup winners, but would it then just mean that clubs are only taking the FA cup seriously for Champions league qualification?

Personally, I'm not bothered if the FA cup loses value to the "big clubs" as it will only play into our favour.

 

[Mobin]

Like you say it's a lot to do with the money. You could say that the big FA cup fixtures, eg last 16 onwards start to clash with the big European games, so managers have to prioritise which is more important and they are always going to go with the european fixtures, as this will generate the biggest income for the club. One option could be to take the champions league place off 4th and give it to the FA cup winners, but would it then just mean that clubs are only taking the FA cup seriously for Champions league qualification?

Personally, I'm not bothered if the FA cup loses value to the "big clubs" as it will only play into our favour.

I would agree if it only were today's top 4-6 that stopped caring, but I'm worried more and more teams will care less and less, as finishing 2-3 positions higher on the table brings in more cash. Not to mention relegation candidates with thinner squads.

"Big clubs" was perhaps a bad choice of words on my part. I apologise, English is my second language. I was including clubs like Everton and Leicester in my thinking .Everton's ambition surely is top 6 this year, and top 4 eventually? What happens when you start to fight for those spots? You'll be in the same situation. I guess I'm just sick of this" top 4 over domestic cups"-mentality

 

[havrey0123]

Only now slightly better then the Caraboa cup. The premier League and Europe are the big ones.

 

[aazak]

Only now slightly better then the Caraboa cup. The premier League and Europe are the big ones.

Have to agree that the league is always the most important competition - luck can play too big a part in any cup competition.

 

[Billy the flid]

Says the fan of the team that withdrew from the competition in 2000.....

 

[stony]

Says the fan of the team that withdrew from the competition in 2000.....

It was never the same after that. The FA did their best to devalue their own competition just to give the rags a better pop at the world club championship. That's right, the FA devalued it's own competition to give their favourite club a better chance of silverware in another competition. Mind boggling really.

 

[jaycee]

I can sort of understand the top 4/6 not valuing it,but when you have teams that are more or less safe before they enter,or lower league sides fielding weaker teams that doesnt make sense

 

[Blueclouds]

I love the F.A cup and would like to win this rather then finish 6th but this is still hard to win even when the clubs in the CL dont put the fa cup on their top list. Man city still go far with their 2nd team.

 

[bignev23]

Even Championship teams play weakened teams in it, it's prestige has gone right down the nick to the point that even if a manager wins it they can still be sacked, Louis Van Gaal for example.

 

[Diogenes the Cynic]

Should be on a Saturday at 3pm.

 

[KaiserEFC]

I like the FA cup and think it’s a great competition. If the big clubs don’t like it why don’t they go out and spend £500m on a team just for the competition? It’s not like they can’t afford/blag FFP for it.

 

[Methuselah]

In the 1940's/50's, the FA Cup was the biggest competition. Bigger than the league. The winners of the cup were the number one. The league championship was almost a consolation prize.

 

[Blueclouds]

The fans love it but the chairman dont. Even the players love the competion. Just the money men and sky devalue it

 

[Mobin]

Says the fan of the team that withdrew from the competition in 2000.....

And? I never said United was not partly to blame for this trend. I think the decision made in 2000 was cowardly from both club and the FA, but I really don't think that is the sole reason.

I can sort of understand the top 4/6 not valuing it,but when you have teams that are more or less safe before they enter,or lower league sides fielding weaker teams that doesnt make sense

I get what you're saying, but I really don't like it. A few youngsters and squad members, sure, but I do think bigger teams should appriciate smaller clubs enough to give their fans a good day out. Play a few of their best players, so both set of supporters have something exciting to watch. Not even Southend supporters want to watch Ashley Young

I love the F.A cup and would like to win this rather then finish 6th but this is still hard to win even when the clubs in the CL dont put the fa cup on their top list. Man city still go far with their 2nd team.

Fair point, and that opens up a whole other discussion for another time. The top teams hoarding of talent and squad players on silly wages really need to be better regulated.