The Football Association is prepared to sell the FA Cup’s international media rights to the Premier League in a huge commercial shake-up for the English game. The move could mean the league assumes control of the competition’s scheduling and would be viewed in some quarters as the Football Association selling off its crown jewels.
It may be viewed lower down the divisions as a power-grab that gives the top flight further clout over Football League clubs in determining aspects of the domestic fixture list. The viability of replays and the sanctity of weekend fixtures are issues that repeatedly surface in discussions among clubs.
