- Non-league Tamworth held out bravely to force Tottenham into extra time
- But when the FA Cup replays were cancelled, they were eliminated from the competition.
- Hear It's all starting! Should lower league clubs have the option of playing home or away in the FA Cup?
A number of non-league clubs are set to seek permission to move FA Cup home matches to the home of Premier League opponents following the abolition of replays.
Mail Sport understands a group of teams are ready to make the request to the FA, with their case seemingly strengthened after National League Tamworth were robbed of a replay with Tottenham on Sunday.
In what would be a historic move, those selected at home would give up that advantage and instead pocket up to £1 million to embark on their travels.
The FA will listen to comments and ideas once this year's competition is over. However, internal sources have revealed that it is “extremely unlikely” that such a request will be given the green light.
Currently, venues can only be changed on police advice for safety reasons. The view is that the potential damage to the integrity of competition would be too much to bear. That stance is unlikely to deter those involved.
They believe the controversial move to eliminate replays has robbed them of a vital opportunity to make a huge and often vital windfall.
A number of non-league clubs are set to seek permission to move FA Cup home matches to the home of Premier League opponents.
Non-league Tamworth hosted Premier League side Tottenham at The Lamb Ground on Sunday
Tamworth were denied the chance of a profitable replay in north London after taking Spurs to extra time, following the abolition of replays.
In previous seasons, Tamworth's 0-0 draw in the 90th minute would have been enough to earn them a trip to Tottenham for a replay and a cash bonanza. However, extra time came and the minnows were defeated 3-0.
“We are at a stage where there is virtually no chance of a non-league club beating a Premier League rival,” said an official at one of the clubs. 'So there's not really an integrity issue. And since they've gotten rid of replays, it's a play that makes sense.”
A consultation will be held on the impact of the cancellation of replays. One option may be to send matches that end in a tie directly to penalties. The idea is that, given the different levels of fitness, such a move would give the non-league club a better chance of progressing.
A return to replays will not be considered, while any proposed changes would be subject to a lengthy consultation period.