Oxford United and their supporters have publicly blasted the FA for the recent changes made to the FA Cup, which will have a series of negative consequences for clubs in the lower divisions of the football pyramid.
The main concern has generally been the scrapping of replays, which sides such as Oxford often rely on as an extra revenue of income to help sustain the club.
Oxford United fans: ‘RIP' to the FA Cup
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Oxford United fans voice their opinions
Brilliant atmosphere created from these Oxford fans before the game at the Kassam Stadium last night 🎉
Including a banner that reads "FA Cup – RIP"
Well done to the Yellows for speaking up 👏
📹 @YellowArmyOUFC #oufc pic.twitter.com/XzUEA8YstU
— FanHub (@FanHub) April 20, 2024
The Yellow Army were the first members associated with the club to voice their concerns with the new structure of the competition, brandishing banners that read “FA Cup – RIP” during their side's 1-1 draw with Stevenage on Friday, April 19.
Many fans, even those of rival clubs, were in support of the message, with one supporter taking to X, formerly Twitter, to say: “Well played Oxford fans.”
Questions had been asked as to whether the club would also release an official statement lambasting the FA on behalf of their fans, and they did not disappoint.
‘No explanation given': Oxford United club statement
The U's took to their official club website to blast the FA in a statement that read: “Prior to the release of the statement, clubs in the EFL, including Oxford United, were not consulted, with no explanation given throughout this process.
“We are alarmed by a lack of meaningful engagement by The FA in making this decision and call on the association to undertake fair consultation on this and future issues which directly impact its members.
“We also call on The FA to open a sensible consultation process to allow for a fair discussion on a greater share of finances and revenues for clubs within the EFL and beyond.
“We firmly stand with other clubs in the EFL and we would like to call on The FA to reconsider and review its current consultation process in coming to this decision, where we bring all stakeholders to the table in the interest of sporting integrity.”