FA scraps replays for cup quarter-finals

The Football Association (FA) announced plans Thursday to eliminate replays periods for the FA Cup quarter-finals, opting instead for a sudden-death format.

"The revamped competition will see eight clubs battle it out over one weekend with each tie to be played to a finish on the day, adding to the drama and impact the competition has enjoyed in recent years," a statement on the FA's website announced Thursday.

As part of a review of the competition, the eight final clubs in the annual competition will settle the quarter-final tilts the same day, eliminating the need for replays which congest an already busy schedule.

FA chief executive Martin Glenn insists that the alteration, which kicks in March 2017, will add intrigue to the world's oldest association football competition.

"The Emirates FA Cup remains at the heart of English football and this change adds to the excitement of the competition and will benefit the wider game in general," Glenn said.

"While fully respecting tradition and history, this new development will help the Cup retain its status as a much-loved and world-renowned competition."

This season's competition witnessed one replay, after eventual champ Manchester United drew 1-1 with West Ham, prompting a replay at Upton Park that United won a month after the first sixth-round tilt.

That replay was wedged between two Premier League fixtures for the top flight pair, with both sides playing four times in a 10-day window, which Glenn admits played a factor in the decision to opt for a sudden-death period.

"In a demanding calendar and with increased pressures on fans, it is important we move with the times and consider new innovations."