The Football Association (FA) Cup, a prestigious tournament with a history spanning 154 years, has made an unprecedented rule change that will significantly impact the distribution of its mega-money prize pot. This alteration is set to benefit non-league clubs like Tamworth, who are now poised to receive a substantial payout.
In an exciting first for the FA Cup, teams eliminated in the third round will receive prize money. All 32 teams knocked out at this stage will be awarded £25,000 from Wembley funds. In contrast, winners at this level will each secure £115,000.
This new arrangement was agreed upon by FA chiefs as compensation for clubs following the abolition of all replays from the first round proper. Previously losing sides in the first and second rounds earned £15,000 and £20,000 respectively. However, it's worth noting that this weekend’s ties mark the end of financial consolation prizes for this season.
Increase in total prize pot
The total prize pot on offer from the first round onwards has seen an increase of £2.44m bringing it up to a whopping total of £20.3m. The majority of these additional funds are earmarked for lower league clubs as part of efforts to support them financially.
Despite these changes though there is no alteration to money available for winning games from fourth round onwards. May’s Wembley winners stand to earn a total sum of £3.91m which is just slightly more than what Manchester United received last term (£10k less). This pales when compared with Arsenal's earnings - they bagged an impressive sum of £6.795m after their closed-door final win over Chelsea back in 2020.
The pandemic had caused significant reductions in FA Cup prize money, with only marginal increases seen over the last four seasons.
Live screening benefits
The 12 clubs involved in third-round matches selected for live screening by BBC and ITV will all receive £85,000. This includes Tamworth who are set to host Spurs on Sunday. Furthermore, being broadcast on BBC iPlayer and Red Button services will earn Everton, Peterborough, Leeds, Harrogate, Newcastle and Bromley an additional £40k each. Sheffield United, Cardiff City FC, Southampton FC and Swansea City AFC are also set to benefit from this arrangement with an extra £48k each from BBC Wales coverage.
This historic rule change in the FA Cup is a significant step towards providing financial support to lower league clubs while maintaining the competitive spirit of the tournament.
