Havant and Waterlooville FC are in shock with regards to the decision to remove FA Cup replays from the 1^st round proper.

Our club have special memories of a then 6^th tier club being able to play at Anfield against Liverpool in the 4^th round of the competition. With the new rule change, this would not have been possible. We would not have had to opportunity to host Swansea in the 3^rd round replay in front of over 6000 supporters at Westleigh Park.

What is widely known as the “best knockout competition in the world”, The FA Cup is synonymous is creating history for a large number of lower ranked clubs, including those in the non-league pyramid. Changing the key structure for the competition is not required and has been done with only a few in mind. The fact that there has been no consultation with clubs that enter the competition, shows a lack of fairness to all parties and shows a clear inequality to the competition sides.

Whilst recognising that for the few teams in the Premier League, the revenue generated by matches played in the FA Cup may seem insignificant, the fact remains for teams lower in the pyramid that this is one of the most vital sources of income to keep clubs a float, including for those teams entering the Extra Preliminary Round in early August.

We must stress that the club wishes for The FA to reconsider their stance on the matter and not to proceed with the proposed changes to this brilliant cup competition.