Replays will not take place in the FA Cup in 2020/21, the FA have announced.
The coronavirus pandemic has put the 2020/21 campaign back and there will be huge fixture congestion and to eas that the FA have decided to scrap replays for one season only.
Some managers, particularly at Premier League level, have spoken out against replays in the past, arguing that they create too much of a fixture pile-up.
The FA have now opted to scrap replays for next season, with a number of leagues already set to face an increase in midweek fixtures due to the shorter season length.
It means matches that end in a draw will go to extra-time and penalties instead of an extra game being held.
After previously revealing that there would be a cut in prize money due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the FA have also confirmed the schedule for the 2020/21 FA Cup.
It will start with the extra preliminary round on September 1, with the final being held on May 15, 2021.
Like with league matches, some rounds will have to be held in midweek due to the delayed start of the competition.
Full FA Cup schedule
Extra preliminary round: Tuesday, 1 September
Preliminary round: Saturday, 12 September
First q
ualifying round: Tuesday, September 22
Second qualifying round: Saturday, October 3
Third qualifying round: Tuesday, October 13
Fourth qualifying round: Saturday, October 24
First round: Saturday, November 7
Second round: Saturday, November 28
Third round: Saturday, January 9
Fourth round: Saturday, January 23
Fifth round: Wednesday, February 10
Quarter-finals: Saturday, March 20
Semi-finals: Saturday, April 17
Final: Saturday, May 15
