The FA could delight Gary Lineker by scrapping extra time in FA Cup matches at the end of the season, according to reports. The former England striker called for games to go straight to penalties following Tottenham’s victory over Tamworth on Sunday.
The non-league underdogs did exceptionally well to hold Spurs to a goalless draw after 90 minutes. However, they were undone in extra time with the visitors scoring three goals to book their place in the fourth round.
Manchester United also progressed despite failing to beat Arsenal in normal time, with the Red Devils edging a penalty shoot-out at the Emirates Stadium.
Replays have been ditched this season, with matches going to extra time and penalties if the score is level after 90 minutes. The move has been largely unpopular and it seems further tweaks could be made to the format in 2025/26.
The FA will review whether to scrap extra time in favour of going straight to penalties in the event of a draw, according to The Times, but there is said to be no chance of replays being brought back.
Senior figures reportedly believe the change would increase the likelihood of upsets, given that players of smaller clubs tend to run out of steam in extra time.
A similar format is already used in the Carabao Cup, with all matches going straight to penalties apart from the final. The FA will reportedly hold discussions with clubs at the end of the season to gauge interest in adopting the format themselves.
It comes after Lineker urged the FA to consider ditching extra time on The Rest Is Football, saying: “Personally, I think if they’re going to take away replays, they should take away extra time.
“Otherwise, it really favours the strong teams because they’ve got bigger squads and they can put on their best players in extra time like Spurs did [against Tamworth] and they went on to win.
“I think that’s unfair. If they’re going to do away with replays, which I think to be honest, as much as it’s a shame, they need to find another way of supporting teams from lower divisions, lower leagues and non-league.
“The pyramid needs to help out a little bit more. The amount of football that players are playing now, playing replays as well, is tough. So, I understand why they’re doing that, but do away with extra time as well.”