Premier League legend Gary Lineker has stirred up a debate among sports enthusiasts with his recent suggestion for a significant alteration to the FA Cup rules. The former England captain wants elimination of extra-time, arguing that it gives an unfair advantage to larger teams during early rounds.
Lineker's argument is based on his belief that the additional 30 minutes of playtime disproportionately benefits bigger teams. This is primarily due to their superior quality and fitness levels, which often become more apparent as games stretch beyond regular time.
A case in point was when Tottenham Hotspur faced National League side Tamworth in the third round of this season's competition. After being held at bay by Tamworth for 90 minutes, Spurs managed to score three goals during extra-time, demonstrating their superior stamina and skill.
Scrapping replays
The Football Association (FA) had already sparked controversy at the start of this season by eliminating replays from the first round. If replays had remained part of the tournament structure, Tamworth would have secured a lucrative replay against Tottenham following their goalless draw after regular time.
Lineker used this example as evidence supporting his proposal that matches should proceed directly to penalties if they end in a draw after 90 minutes. He believes such an approach would add an extra layer of risk for larger clubs like Spurs when facing lower-tier opponents like Tamworth.
Lineker’s remarks
The football icon made these comments on "The Rest Is Football" podcast recently.
Gary Lineker, Premier League legend, said:
"Personally, I think if they're going to take away replays, they should take away extra time. Because 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. So, I think that's unfair.
"If they're gonna 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. Even in the game today [Man Utd vs Arsenal ] all we wanted then is a penalty shootout at the end."
His remarks come ahead of this weekend’s fourth-round ties in which Leyton Orient will host Manchester City who are currently struggling with form after being thrashed 5-1 by Arsenal last weekend. Liverpool will be visiting Plymouth tomorrow while Spurs will be playing against Aston Villa. As per current rules, any match that ends in a draw after 90 minutes will proceed to extra-time.
