FA to amend rule that could kill Cup replays
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LONDON - The English FA will act to amend an old FA Cup rule so that leading clubs cannot avoid replays if their original ties end in a draw.
An FA spokesman said on Saturday the law was likely to be changed after Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was widely reported by British newspapers to have considered invoking it to avoid a replay with Tottenham Hotspur if their fourth-round tie ended in a draw. In the event United won 2-1.
United issued an official statement on their website later on Saturday denying the club had any intention of invoking the rule.
"The club has never asked opponents to play extra time instead of a replay -- and has no intention of ever doing so." Ferguson had been quoted as saying: "I had never heard of it but it's in the regulations. The criticism would be that we're not adhering to the principles of the FA Cup or the spirit of it, but why have the FA got it in there? We will investigate."
United's statement added: "The manager's comments ... do not state that he either wished to or intended to invoke the rule... He made clear he knows the value of replays to clubs."
Ferguson told reporters he had learnt of Article 11a which allows teams to agree to play for an extra half-an-hour to settle the match and avoid a replay.
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Zzzzz, FA only doing this for money lah. Cuz TV say if they no time air the extra time they sue
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Yea smaller clubs sure oppose, they want the revenue.