LEAGUES say they may have no other option but to kick off the new season in July after the Football Association announced the FA Cup is set for an August 6 start.
Step 5 and 6 clubs fear going into the opening round of the competition without a competitive game under their belts and are in discussion with their leagues about an early start.
Some leagues are exploring the idea of beginning on Saturday July 30 – allowing clubs to play two matches, including one in midweek, before the FA Cup ties, which last season earned winning clubs £1,500 in prize money.
The FA have come under fire for moving the dates forward. Last year, the extra preliminary round got under way on the third Saturday of August.
Hellenic League general manager Brian King believes there’s an annoyance with the August 6 date throughout grass-roots football.
“I have written to the FA and we are not happy with the lack of consultation,” complained King. “It’s been thrust upon us.
“I am yet to have a conversation with any league representative who is happy about this. I have spoken with all member clubs and the 26-30 of them who look likely to be involved in the FA Cup at that stage have been told they can start the season on the Monday or the Tuesday before.
“Seasons should be starting on a Saturday – it’s far from perfect to say the very least.”
Like others, the North West Counties League are to meet to discuss kicking off on July 30 – but say it could be a logistical nightmare.
Concerns
“Some clubs have already arranged prestigious friendly games, with Blackburn Rovers being one of them, so it’s difficult,” explained league chairman Paul Lawler.
“It’s not the most ideal of situations but we have to look at it. It’s in everyone’s interests for all clubs to be allowed the right preparation time for the FA Cup. The prize money on offer is absolutely vital and we will need to come to a conclusion on the matter.
“It may have to be that the North West Counties League kicks off in July. Other leagues are thinking the same. There’s a committee meeting next week and we are going to look at the implications and find a way forward. We have expressed our concerns to the Football Association.”
An FA spokesman said: “A total of 736 teams will compete in the Emirates FA Cup next season, which is the maximum number of clubs that can compete in the competition under its current format.
“The Cup retains its appeal and authenticity by offering clubs from football’s lower echelons the opportunity to play in the oldest and most prestigious cup competition in the world.
“Although we recognise the first weekend in August is an early start and may not be ideal for some, there was no other practical alternative for next season while the competition remains under its current format with the existing number of entries.”
