The Football Association (FA) are reportedly considering scrapping extra-time in the FA Cup in a move that will delight Gary Lineker. Replays have already been axed this season, with games that end in a draw after 90 minutes going to extra-time and then penalties. Tottenham needed extra-time to beat non-league Tamworth on Sunday, with the game ending in a goalless draw after regular time.
Manchester United, meanwhile, knocked Arsenal out on penalties after their game ended in a 1-1 draw after extra-time. The Times are now reporting that the FA will review whether extra-time should be scrapped for next season's tournament. The report states that the return of replays is not being considered, with some believing that going straight to penalties will increase the chances of upsets. The EFL have already scrapped extra-time in the League Cup for every round apart from the final.
The FA plan to consult clubs on the issue at the end of the season, with a source quoted as saying: "The big decision for this season was no replays but there will be a review at the end to see what should happen about extra time in future years. There is a view that it would mean more chances for giant-killing if there was no extra time.".
And BBC Match of the Day presenter Lineker, who won the FA Cup with Tottenham back in 1991, has previously called for extra-time to be axed as he believes it unfairly favours Premier League teams. "Personally, I think if they're going to take away replays, they should take away extra time," Lineker said on The Rest Is Football podcast. "Because otherwise, it really favours the strong teams.
