History of FA Cup in Timeline
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a yearly knockout football competition in English football. Established in the 1871-72 season, it is recognized as the oldest national football competition globally. The Football Association organizes and lends its name to the event. Since 2015, it's been known as the Emirates FA Cup due to its primary sponsor, Emirates. A corresponding Women's FA Cup has existed since 1970.
1900: Southampton as Losing Finalists
In 1900, Southampton, a Southern League team, were losing finalists in the FA Cup final.
1901: Tradition of Tying Ribbons on FA Cup Trophy Begins
After Tottenham Hotspur's victory in the 1901 FA Cup Final, the wife of a Spurs director started the tradition of tying ribbons on the trophy.
1902: Southampton's FA Cup Final Appearance as a Southern League Team
In 1902, Southampton reached the FA Cup final while playing in the Southern League, becoming the last finalist from outside the top two tiers of English football.
1902: Southampton's Second Final Loss
In 1902, Southampton, still a Southern League team, lost the FA Cup final for a second time.
1908: Wolverhampton Wanderers' FA Cup Win
In 1908, Wolverhampton Wanderers won the FA Cup while playing in the second tier of English football.
1909: Manchester United's Replica Prompts New Trophy Design
Manchester United, the 1909 FA Cup winners, made their own replica of the trophy, leading the FA to design a new trophy.
1910: Original FA Cup Trophy Retired
The original "little tin idol" FA Cup trophy was retired in 1910 after being replaced by a replica in 1895.
1911: Redesign of the FA Cup Trophy
A larger FA Cup trophy was designed and manufactured by Fattorini & Sons of Bradford in 1911.
1911: Bradford City's First Win
In 1911, the newly designed FA Cup trophy was won by Bradford City in its first outing.
1911: New FA Cup Trophy Design Introduced
The new, larger FA Cup trophy design by Fattorini and Sons was first used in 1911.
1912: Barnsley's FA Cup Win
In 1912, Barnsley emerged victorious in the FA Cup while playing in the second tier of English football, highlighting their cup prowess.
1914: Crystal Palace Hosts Last FA Cup Final Before Wembley Era
Crystal Palace hosted its last FA Cup final in 1914, before the competition moved to Wembley Stadium.
1914: FA Cup Suspended Due to World War I
The FA Cup was suspended in 1914 due to the outbreak of World War I.
1919: FA Cup Resumes After World War I
After a suspension due to World War I, the FA Cup resumed in 1919.
1920: Stamford Bridge Hosts FA Cup Finals
Stamford Bridge hosted FA Cup finals for three years, from 1920 to 1922.
1920: Football League Expansion
The Football League expanded in the 1920-21 season to incorporate teams from the Southern League's first division.
1921: Previous Record for FA Cup Entries
The 1921-22 FA Cup season held the previous record for club entries before being surpassed in 2004-05.
1922: Last FA Cup Final at Stamford Bridge
The 1922 FA Cup final marked the last time the competition was held at Stamford Bridge.
1923: Lord Kinnaird's Death
Lord Kinnaird, who was gifted the 1895 replica trophy, died in 1923.
1923: "White Horse Final" at Wembley Stadium
The 1923 FA Cup Final, known as the "White Horse Final", was the first to be played at the newly opened Wembley Stadium.
1923: Original Wembley Stadium Hosts First FA Cup Final
The original Wembley Stadium, then known as the Empire Stadium, hosted its first FA Cup final in 1923.
1925: Cardiff City's First FA Cup Final Appearance
In 1925, Cardiff City made their first appearance in the FA Cup final, losing to Sheffield United. This marked their first foray into the latter stages of the competition.
1925: Fifth Round Proper Milestone for Non-League Teams
The year 1925 marked a significant point in FA Cup history, as it serves as a reference point for the limited number of non-League teams that have reached the fifth round proper since then.
1926: First FA Cup Final on Radio
The first FA Cup Final was broadcast on radio in 1926, featuring Bolton Wanderers and Manchester City. However, the broadcast was limited to Manchester.
1927: Cardiff City Becomes First Non-English FA Cup Winner
Cardiff City made history in 1927 by becoming the first and only non-English team to win the FA Cup.
1927: Cardiff City's Historic FA Cup Win
In 1927, Cardiff City became the only non-English team to win the FA Cup, defeating Arsenal in the final. This victory was a significant milestone for the club and marked their place in FA Cup history.
1927: "Abide with Me" Sung for the First Time
In 1927, the hymn "Abide with Me" was sung for the first time at the FA Cup final, initiating a lasting pre-match tradition.
1927: First National FA Cup Final Broadcast
The first national FA Cup Final broadcast on BBC Radio took place in 1927, featuring Arsenal and Cardiff City.
1931: West Bromwich's Unique Double
In 1931, West Bromwich Albion became the only team to win the FA Cup and earn promotion to the top flight in the same season.
1931: West Bromwich Albion's FA Cup Win
In 1931, West Bromwich Albion secured the FA Cup title while playing in the second tier of English football, showcasing their ability to compete against higher-ranked teams.
1937: First FA Cup Final on Television
The first FA Cup Final was broadcast on BBC Television in 1937, with Sunderland facing Preston North End. However, the match was not televised in its entirety.
1938: Portsmouth Wins FA Cup
Portsmouth won the FA Cup in 1938, defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-1.
1938: FA Cup Suspended Due to World War II
The FA Cup was suspended again in 1938 with the outbreak of World War II.
1945: FA Cup Resumes After World War II
The FA Cup resumed in 1945 following the end of World War II.
1946: Update of Runners-Up Medals
The design for the runners-up medals for the FA Cup final was updated in 1946.
1955: ITV Joins FA Cup Coverage
With the formation of ITV in 1955, they began sharing FA Cup Final coverage with the BBC, making it one of the few club matches broadcasted live on television at the time.
1957: Henry Burge's Imprisonment
In 1957, Henry Burge was imprisoned for seven years for theft from cars.
February 1958: Henry Burge's Confession
In February 1958, an 80 year-old career criminal named Henry Burge confessed to stealing the FA Cup trophy 60 years prior, claiming he melted it down to make counterfeit coins.
1959: Liverpool's Upset by Worcester City
In 1959, Liverpool, then in the Second Division, lost to Worcester City of the Southern League in the FA Cup.
1960: Introduction of UEFA Cup Winners' Cup
From its inception in 1960 until 1998, the winners of the FA Cup earned a place in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, a now-defunct European competition.
1961: Henry Burge's Release
In 1961, Henry Burge was released from prison.
1961: Tottenham Hotspur's League and Cup Double
In 1961, Tottenham Hotspur accomplished a League and Cup double, winning both the FA Cup and the league title, a testament to their strength and dominance.
1961: Tottenham Hotspur's First Consecutive FA Cup Win
In 1961, Tottenham Hotspur began their first streak of consecutive FA Cup wins, marking a period of dominance in the competition.
1962: Tottenham Hotspur's Second Consecutive FA Cup Win
In 1962, Tottenham Hotspur secured their second consecutive FA Cup title, solidifying their status as a top team in English football.
1970: Women's FA Cup Established
A concurrent Women's FA Cup was established in 1970, marking a significant milestone in women's football.
1970: Old Trafford Hosts FA Cup Final Replay
In 1970, the FA Cup final replay between Leeds United and Chelsea took place at Old Trafford in Manchester.
1971: Arsenal's First League and Cup Double
In 1971, Arsenal secured their first League and Cup double, winning both the FA Cup and the league title, marking a significant achievement in the club's history.
1971: Hereford United's Giant-killing Feat
In 1971, non-league Hereford United achieved a remarkable victory over First Division Newcastle United in the FA Cup. Trailing 1-0 with minutes remaining, Hereford's Ronnie Radford scored a memorable equalizer, leading to a 2-1 win. This upset propelled Hereford to finish as runners-up in the Southern League and secure promotion to the Football League.
1971: Multiple Replays in FA Cup Qualifying Round
In the 1971-72 FA Cup, a fourth qualifying round match between Alvechurch and Oxford City required six replays to determine a winner, with Alvechurch finally winning in the fifth replay.
1971: Alvechurch and Oxford City Set Replay Record
The 1971-72 FA Cup qualifying rounds witnessed a record-setting six replays between Alvechurch and Oxford City.
1973: Sunderland's FA Cup Upset
In 1973, Sunderland caused a major upset by defeating Leeds United, who had finished third in the top flight that season, to win the FA Cup.
1975: Fulham's Record-Breaking FA Cup Run
Fulham played a total of 12 games across six rounds in their 1975 FA Cup campaign, setting a record for the most games played by a team en route to the final.
1976: Southampton's FA Cup Win
In 1976, Southampton lifted the FA Cup trophy while playing in the second tier of English football, demonstrating their ability to excel in cup competitions.
1977: Blyth Spartans' Fifth Round Achievement
In 1977, Blyth Spartans became a benchmark for Maidstone United's achievement, as they were the lowest-ranked team to reach the fifth round prior to Maidstone's run in 2023.
1980: FA Cup Centenary Celebrated
Due to wartime interruptions, the FA Cup's centenary year was celebrated in the 1980-81 season.
1980: Introduction of Extra Time in FA Cup Semi-finals
From the 1980-81 season to the 1998-99 season, FA Cup semi-finals that were tied after 90 minutes would proceed to extra time on the same day.
1980: West Ham United's FA Cup Win
In 1980, West Ham United secured the FA Cup title while playing in the second tier of English football, highlighting their ability to challenge for top honors.
1980: West Ham's FA Cup Triumph
In 1980, West Ham United, then a Second Division team, achieved a surprising victory over Arsenal, who were the cup holders and had finished fourth in the First Division, in the FA Cup final. This was the last time a team outside the top division won the FA Cup as of 2022.
1981: Tottenham Hotspur's Third Consecutive FA Cup Win
In 1981, Tottenham Hotspur initiated another streak of consecutive FA Cup wins, demonstrating their ability to achieve repeated success in the competition.
1982: Tottenham Hotspur's Fourth Consecutive FA Cup Win
Tottenham Hotspur concluded their second sequence of consecutive FA Cup victories in 1982, confirming their reputation for cup success.
1986: Liverpool's League and Cup Double
In 1986, Liverpool achieved a League and Cup double, winning both the FA Cup and the league title, showcasing their dominance during that era.
1988: BBC Gains Exclusive FA Cup Coverage
In 1988, ITV lost its coverage of the FA Cup to the BBC, giving the latter exclusive broadcasting rights for the competition on terrestrial television.
1988: End of Previous Joint FA Cup Coverage
In 1988, the previous period of joint FA Cup coverage by BBC and ITV concluded.
1989: Non-League Upsets
Lincoln City's defeat of Burnley in 2016 was only the third time since 1989 that a non-league team beat a top-flight side in the FA Cup.
1990: BSB Obtains FA Cup Rights
In 1990, British Satellite Broadcasting (BSB) acquired broadcasting rights for the FA Cup and started showing a live match from rounds 1 and 2.
1990: Change in FA Cup Replay System
Until the 1990-91 season, FA Cup replays continued until a winner was determined. This system was changed afterwards.
November 1991: First Penalty Shootout in FA Cup
On November 26, 1991, the first penalty shootout in the FA Cup took place, with Rotherham United defeating Scunthorpe United to advance.
1991: Original Wembley Stadium Hosts FA Cup Semi-finals
Between 1991 and 2000, the original Wembley Stadium was used for seven FA Cup semi-finals.
1991: Sky Takes Over BSB and FA Cup Coverage
Following Sky's takeover of BSB in 1991, they inherited the broadcasting rights for the FA Cup and continued showing live matches from rounds 1 and 2.
1991: Multiple Replays Scrapped for FA Cup Proper
Starting from the 1991-92 season, multiple replays were eliminated from the main FA Cup competition.
1992: Creation of the 1992 Replica Trophy
In 1992, Toye, Kenning and Spencer made a replica FA Cup trophy and a copy of it.
1992: Wrexham's Upset Over Reigning Champions Arsenal
In 1992, Wrexham, who had narrowly avoided relegation the previous season, caused a major upset by defeating reigning champions Arsenal in the FA Cup. This result exemplified the unpredictable nature of the competition.
1992: Replica of New Trophy Introduced
To preserve the original 1911 trophy, a replica was introduced in 1992.
1993: Arsenal's FA Cup and League Cup Double
In 1993, Arsenal became the first team to win both the FA Cup and the League Cup in the same season, demonstrating their strength in cup competitions.
1993: Last Replayed FA Cup Final
The 1993 FA Cup Final was the last one to be replayed. After a 1-1 draw in the initial match, Arsenal emerged victorious in the replay against Sheffield Wednesday, winning 2-1 after extra time.
1994: Manchester United's First League and Cup Double
Manchester United secured their first League and Cup double in 1994, winning both the FA Cup and the league title, marking the beginning of a period of sustained success.
1994: Start of FA Cup Sponsorship
The FA Cup began being sponsored in the 1994-95 season.
1996: Manchester United's Second League and Cup Double
Manchester United achieved their second League and Cup double in 1996, winning both the FA Cup and the league title, demonstrating their ability to consistently challenge for top honors.
1997: BBC's Extensive FA Cup Coverage
From 1988 to 1997, the BBC held exclusive broadcasting rights for the FA Cup on terrestrial television and provided comprehensive coverage of the competition from the third round onwards, including one live match per round and highlights.
1997: Sky's FA Cup Coverage with ITV Sub-License
From 1997 to 2001, Sky held the broadcasting rights for the FA Cup, showing one match per round. They sub-licensed the free-to-air rights to ITV, who showed an additional match from the third round onwards. The BBC continued to provide highlights on Match of the Day.
1997: Multiple Replays Scrapped for Qualifying Rounds
In 1997-98, multiple replays were abolished from the FA Cup qualifying rounds.
1997: Regional Split in FA Cup Eliminated
Prior to the 1997-98 competition, the first and second proper rounds of the FA Cup were split into Northern and Southern sections. However, this practice was discontinued.
1997: Jules Rimet Trophy Auction
The Jules Rimet World Cup Trophy was sold for £254,000 at an auction in 1997.
1998: Arsenal's Second League and Cup Double
Arsenal repeated their League and Cup double success in 1998, winning both the FA Cup and the league title, signifying a period of dominance under Arsene Wenger.
1998: Arsene Wenger's First FA Cup Title with Arsenal
In 1998, Arsene Wenger secured his first FA Cup title as manager of Arsenal, marking the beginning of a highly successful tenure.
1998: FA Cup Winners Qualify for UEFA Cup
Starting in 1998, the FA Cup winners secured a spot in the UEFA Cup, which was later renamed the UEFA Europa League.
1998: Last Replayed FA Cup Semi-final
The last FA Cup semi-final to go to a replay occurred in the 1998-99 season, with Manchester United defeating Arsenal 2-1 after extra time in the replay following a 0-0 draw in the original match.
1999: Manchester United's Continental Treble
In 1999, Manchester United achieved a historic continental treble, winning the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the Champions League, becoming one of only nine European teams to accomplish this feat.
1999: Manchester United's Third League and Cup Double
In 1999, Manchester United completed their third League and Cup double, winning both the FA Cup and the league title, highlighting their dominance in English football.
1999: FA Cup Schedule Experiment
In the 1999-2000 season, an experiment led to most FA Cup rounds being played a few weeks earlier than usual.
1999: Manchester United Withdraws from FA Cup
Manchester United chose to withdraw from the 1999-2000 FA Cup due to fixture congestion and participation in the inaugural Club World Championship.
1999: Abolition of Replays in FA Cup Semi-finals
Starting from the 1999-2000 season, replays were eliminated from the FA Cup semi-finals.
2000: Manchester United's Withdrawal Impacts FA Cup Prestige
Manchester United's withdrawal from the 1999-2000 FA Cup drew criticism for diminishing the tournament's prestige.
2000: Replays Removed from Semi-Finals and Final
Replays were removed from the FA Cup semi-final and final matches starting in 2000.
2000: Impact of Replay Abolition in FA Cup Semi-finals
The abolition of replays in FA Cup semi-finals took effect in the 2000 season.
2000: FA Cup Schedule Experiment Impact
The experimental change in FA Cup scheduling continued into the 2000 season.
2000: Last FA Cup Semi-final at Original Wembley Stadium
The last FA Cup semi-final held at the original Wembley Stadium took place in 2000.
2001: FA Cup Final Moves to Millennium Stadium
Due to Wembley Stadium's redevelopment, the FA Cup final was held at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff from 2001 to 2006.
2001: BBC and Sky Share FA Cup Coverage
From 2001 to 2008, the BBC and Sky shared broadcasting rights for the FA Cup. The BBC aired two or three matches per round, while Sky showed one or two.
2001: End of Sky's Exclusive FA Cup Coverage
In 2001, Sky's period of exclusive FA Cup coverage ended.
2001: Liverpool's First FA Cup and League Cup Double
Liverpool replicated Arsenal's feat in 2001, winning both the FA Cup and the League Cup in the same season, showcasing their cup pedigree.
2001: Millennium Stadium Hosts FA Cup Finals
The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff hosted FA Cup finals from 2001 to 2006 due to the rebuilding of Wembley Stadium.
2002: Arsenal's First Consecutive FA Cup Win
Arsenal began their first period of back-to-back FA Cup triumphs in 2002, signifying the start of a dominant era under Arsene Wenger.
2002: Arsenal's Third League and Cup Double
Arsenal completed their third League and Cup double in 2002, winning both the FA Cup and the league title, highlighting their consistency at the top level of English football.
2002: Arsene Wenger's Second FA Cup Title with Arsenal
Arsene Wenger added to his FA Cup tally with his second victory in 2002, reinforcing Arsenal's position as a top team.
2003: Arsenal's Second Consecutive FA Cup Win
Arsenal solidified their status as a leading force in English football by securing their second consecutive FA Cup title in 2003.
2003: Arsene Wenger's Third FA Cup Title with Arsenal
Arsene Wenger achieved his third FA Cup title with Arsenal in 2003, showcasing his managerial prowess and the team's strength.
2003: Shrewsbury Town's Victory Over Everton
In 2003, Shrewsbury Town, despite facing relegation that season, achieved a notable 2-1 win over Everton, who finished seventh in the Premier League. This result highlighted the potential for lower-ranked teams to triumph over higher-ranked opponents in the FA Cup.
2003: Yeovil Town's Ascension to the Football League
In 2003, Yeovil Town, renowned for their cup upsets, achieved promotion to the Football League. Prior to this milestone, they held the record for the most victories over league opposition as a non-league team, boasting 20 wins.
2003: FA Decides on Permanent Wembley for Semi-finals
In 2003, the FA made the decision to permanently use the new Wembley Stadium for FA Cup semi-finals.
2003: Restriction on Ground Changes in FA Cup
Since 2003, FA Cup clubs have been prohibited from switching match venues to the away team's ground due to capacity or financial considerations. If a change is necessary, it must be to a neutral venue, and any additional revenue generated from the move is allocated to the central fund.
2004: New Record for FA Cup Entries
In the 2004-05 season, the FA Cup witnessed a new record of 660 club entries, surpassing the previous record set in the 1921-22 season.
May 2005: Replica Trophy Auction
In May 2005, a replica of the FA Cup trophy from 1895 was sold at Christie's auction house for £420,000, setting a record for football memorabilia.
2005: Arsene Wenger's Fourth FA Cup Title with Arsenal
In 2005, Arsene Wenger secured his fourth FA Cup victory with Arsenal, further solidifying his legacy as a successful manager.
2005: Millennium Stadium Hosts FA Cup Semi-finals
In 2005, both FA Cup semi-finals were played at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
2005: FA Cup Entries Increase to 674
The number of FA Cup entries increased to 674 in the 2005-06 season.
April 2006: Replica Trophy Donation
In April 2006, David Gold, who purchased the 1895 replica, donated it to the National Football Museum in Preston.
2006: Millennium Stadium's Final Year Hosting FA Cup Finals
2006 marked the final year the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff hosted FA Cup finals.
2006: Umbro Match Balls
From 2006 to 2013, Umbro supplied the match balls for all FA Cup matches.
2006: Last FA Cup Final at Millennium Stadium
The 2006 FA Cup Final marked the last time the final was held at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
2006: FA Cup Entries Reach 687
The FA Cup saw 687 club entries in the 2006-07 season.
2007: FA Cup Final Returns to Wembley Stadium
After a period at the Millennium Stadium, the FA Cup final returned to the newly redeveloped Wembley Stadium in 2007.
2007: FA Cup Entries Exceed 700
For the first time, the number of FA Cup entries exceeded 700, reaching 731 clubs in the 2007-08 season.
2007: Chasetown's Historic Third Round Proper Appearance
In 2007, Chasetown, playing at Level 8, became the lowest-ranked team ever to reach the third round proper of the FA Cup. Their clash with Cardiff City, the eventual runners-up, earned them significant prize money and recognition.
2007: Chelsea's FA Cup and League Cup Double
In 2007, Chelsea achieved a FA Cup and League Cup double, winning both competitions in the same season, highlighting their growing prominence in English football.
2007: Rebuilt Wembley Stadium Hosts FA Cup Finals
Since its opening in 2007, the rebuilt Wembley Stadium has hosted all FA Cup finals.
2008: FA Cup Semi-Finals Hosted at Wembley Stadium
From 2008 onwards, the FA Cup semi-final matches were also held at Wembley Stadium.
2008: New FA Cup Broadcasting Deal
From the 2008-09 season to the 2013-14 season, ITV acquired the rights to broadcast FA Cup matches live across England and Wales. UTV provided coverage in Northern Ireland, while STV declined to show the matches.
2008: Cardiff City's Third FA Cup Final Appearance
In 2008, Cardiff City reached their third FA Cup final, losing to Portsmouth. This demonstrated their continued ability to compete at a high level in the competition.
2008: Record-breaking Non-League Representation in FA Cup
In 2008, a historic eight non-League teams reached the third round proper of the FA Cup, marking a significant achievement for teams outside the professional leagues.
2008: End of BBC and Sky Shared Coverage
In 2008, the shared coverage of the FA Cup by the BBC and Sky came to an end.
2008: Three Non-Top-Flight Semifinalists
In 2008, three out of the four FA Cup semi-finalists, Barnsley, Cardiff City, and West Bromwich, were from outside the top division. However, the eventual winner was Portsmouth, the last remaining top-flight team.
2008: First Online Broadcast of Early FA Cup Rounds
In the early rounds of the 2008-09 FA Cup competition, ITV's online service, ITV Local, provided coverage for the first time. The opening match between Wantage Town and Brading Town was broadcast live online, and highlights of eight games per round were available as catch-up content on ITV Local. However, this coverage ceased with the closure of ITV Local.
2008: Wembley Stadium Hosts FA Cup Semi-finals
Starting in 2008, the rebuilt Wembley Stadium became the exclusive venue for FA Cup semi-finals.
2008: FA Cup Entries Reach 762
The 2008-09 and 2009-10 FA Cup seasons saw 762 club entries each.
2008: Criticism of FA Cup Coverage Shift
Until the 2008-09 season, the BBC and Sky Sports shared television coverage of the FA Cup, with the BBC showing three matches in the earlier rounds. Some analysts argued that moving away from Sky and, in particular, the BBC diminished the FA Cup's public perception.
June 2009: Setanta Sports Loses FA Cup Rights
In June 2009, Setanta Sports faced administration, leading to the termination of their deal to broadcast FA-sanctioned competitions, including the FA Cup and England internationals.
October 2009: Expanded FA Cup Coverage on ITV and Online
In October 2009, The FA announced expanded FA Cup coverage on ITV. They would show an additional match in the first and second rounds, with one replay match broadcast on ITV4. One match and one replay match from the first two rounds would also be available for free on The FA website.
2009: ITV's Exclusive FA Cup Coverage
In the 2009-10 season, ITV gained exclusive broadcasting rights for the FA Cup due to the FA's inability to find a pay-TV broadcaster in time. This came after Setanta Sports went out of business.
2009: FA Cup Entries Remain at 762
The number of FA Cup entries remained at 762 for the 2009-10 season.
2010: Chelsea's League and Cup Double
Chelsea achieved their League and Cup double in 2010, winning both the FA Cup and the league title, signifying their emergence as a top team.
2010: ESPN Acquires FA Cup Rights
ESPN acquired the broadcasting rights for the FA Cup from the 2010-11 season to the 2012-13 season.
2010: ESPN Takes Over FA Cup Package
ESPN took over the FA Cup broadcasting package previously held by Setanta Sports starting from the 2010-11 season.
2010: FA Cup Final Before Premier League Conclusion
In the 2010-11 season, the FA Cup final was held before the conclusion of the Premier League season to facilitate preparations for the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium.
2010: First Live Online FA Cup Match
The 2009-10 first-round FA Cup match between Oldham Athletic and Leeds United became the first to be streamed live online.
2010: Slight Decrease in FA Cup Entries
There was a slight decrease in FA Cup entries in 2010-11, with 759 clubs participating.
2011: FA Cup Final on Sky 3D
In addition to ESPN and ITV, the 2011 FA Cup final was broadcast live on Sky 3D. The 3D coverage for Sky 3D was provided by ESPN.
2011: FA Cup Final Scheduling for England's Euro Preparation
The 2011-12 FA Cup final was scheduled earlier than usual to ensure the England national team had enough time to get ready for that summer's European Championships.
2011: Record Number of Clubs Participate
The 2011-12 FA Cup saw a record-breaking 763 clubs compete, highlighting the widespread popularity and inclusivity of the competition.
2011: All-Time High of 763 FA Cup Entries
The 2011-12 FA Cup set a new all-time high with 763 club entries.
November 2012: Replica Trophy Presentation
In November 2012, the 1895 replica FA Cup trophy was presented to the Royal Engineers after they won a charity replay of the first FA Cup final.
2012: First Female FA Cup Final Host
During ESPN's coverage of the FA Cup, Rebecca Lowe became the first woman to host the FA Cup Final in the UK in 2012.
2012: Chelsea's FA Cup and Champions League Double
In 2012, Chelsea achieved a unique double by winning both the FA Cup and the prestigious Champions League, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level in both domestic and European competitions.
2012: FA Cup Final Scheduling Adjustment
The 2012-13 FA Cup final was scheduled before the end of the Premier League season to accommodate the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium. Additionally, in the 2011-12 season, the final was held earlier to allow the England national team sufficient preparation time for the European Championships.
2012: Slight Decrease in FA Cup Entries
There was a minor decrease in FA Cup entries in 2012-13, with 758 clubs taking part.
2013: BT Sport Inherits FA Cup Rights
Following the sale of ESPN's UK and Ireland channels to BT, the FA Cup broadcasting rights package was transferred to BT Sport starting from the 2013-14 season.
2013: First Channel Island Club Enters FA Cup
Guernsey F.C. became the first Channel Island club to enter the FA Cup in the 2013-14 season.
2013: Wigan Athletic's Unfortunate Victory
In 2013, Wigan Athletic became the only team to win the FA Cup and be relegated from the top flight in the same season.
2013: End of ITV and Setanta FA Cup Coverage
In 2013, the coverage of the FA Cup by ITV and Setanta Sports concluded.
2013: Nike Match Balls
Starting in the 2013-14 season, Nike produced the official match ball for the FA Cup for five seasons.
2013: Millwall vs. Wigan FA Cup Semi-final Fails to Sell Out
The 2013 FA Cup semi-final between Millwall and Wigan Athletic did not sell out, leading to the sale of tickets to neutral fans.
2013: Further Decrease in FA Cup Entries
The number of FA Cup entries decreased further in 2013-14, with 737 clubs participating.
November 2014: First FA Cup Match on Artificial Turf
In November 2014, Maidstone United's Gallagher Stadium hosted the first FA Cup match played on a 3G artificial turf surface.
2014: New FA Cup Trophy Replica Introduced
A new replica of the second FA Cup trophy design, originally introduced in 1911, was created in 2014.
2014: Third Replica of New Trophy Introduced
A third, heavier replica of the 1911 FA Cup trophy was introduced in 2014 to withstand increased handling.
2014: Arsenal's Third Consecutive FA Cup Win
Arsenal embarked on their second streak of consecutive FA Cup victories in 2014, showcasing their continued excellence under Arsene Wenger's management.
2014: Arsene Wenger's Fifth FA Cup Title with Arsenal
Arsene Wenger's fifth FA Cup title with Arsenal came in 2014, highlighting his sustained success over a prolonged period.
2014: Welsh Language FA Cup Coverage
From the 2014-15 season onwards, matches involving Welsh clubs were occasionally broadcast exclusively on the Welsh language channel S4C. This channel is available throughout the UK via satellite, cable television, and its website. A similar agreement was established with BBC Cymru Wales when they acquired the rights, potentially granting the BBC an additional match per round.
2014: The 2014 Replica Trophy
In 2014, Thomas Lyte handcrafted a replica FA Cup trophy from sterling 925 silver, making it heavier for greater durability.
2014: FA Cup Entries Stabilize at 736
The number of FA Cup entries stabilized at 736 for the 2014-15 season.
2015: Arsene Wenger's Sixth FA Cup Title with Arsenal
Arsene Wenger achieved his sixth FA Cup title with Arsenal in 2015, extending his record as the manager with the most FA Cup wins.
2015: Elimination of Europa League Qualification for FA Cup Runners-up
From the 2015-16 UEFA Europa League season onward, UEFA no longer allowed the runners-up of the FA Cup to qualify for the Europa League through the competition.
2015: Arsenal's Fourth Consecutive FA Cup Win
In 2015, Arsenal completed their second sequence of back-to-back FA Cup wins, highlighting their consistent success in the competition.
2015: Emirates Airline Sponsorship
In 2015, Emirates Airline became the sponsor of the FA Cup, renaming it "The Emirates FA Cup".
2015: Emirates Becomes Headline Sponsor
In 2015, Emirates became the headline sponsor of the FA Cup, leading to the competition being known as the Emirates FA Cup.
2015: FA Permits Artificial Turf in All Rounds
Starting in the 2015-2016 season, the FA allowed the use of artificial turf pitches in all rounds of the FA Cup.
2015: Last Replayed FA Cup Quarter-final and Final Match at Boleyn Ground
The 2015-16 FA Cup quarter-final between Manchester United and West Ham United marked the last replayed quarter-final in the competition. After a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, Manchester United won 2-1 in the replay at the Boleyn Ground. This game also holds the distinction of being the final FA Cup match ever played at the Boleyn Ground.
2015: New Rules for FA Cup Trophy Return
Under the 2015-2016 rules, the FA Cup trophy must be returned by March 1st or earlier with seven days' notice.
March 2016: FA Cup Trophy Valuation
In March 2016, an expert on BBC's Antiques Roadshow valued the FA Cup trophy at £1 million.
October 2016: FA Cup Trophy's Origin
In October 2016, Thomas Fattorini appeared on Antiques Roadshow to prove that the FA Cup trophy was indeed designed for the FA and not as a wine or champagne cooler as previously suggested.
2016: Lincoln City's Quarter-Final Run
During the 2016-17 FA Cup, non-League team Lincoln City reached the quarter-finals, defeating Championship side Brighton and Premier League side Burnley along the way.
2016: Replays Removed from Quarter-Finals
From 2016-17 onwards, replays were scrapped from the FA Cup quarter-final stage.
2016: Elimination of FA Cup Replays in Later Rounds
Starting from the 2016-17 season, replays were abolished from the quarter-finals onward in the FA Cup. Ties were settled on the same day using extra time and penalties if required.
2017: Arsene Wenger's Seventh FA Cup Title with Arsenal
In 2017, Arsene Wenger secured his seventh and final FA Cup title with Arsenal, concluding his managerial reign with a historic achievement.
2017: Last Replayed FA Cup Fifth Round
The last replayed fifth round match in the FA Cup occurred in the 2017-18 season. Tottenham Hotspur triumphed over Rochdale with a score of 6-1 at Wembley in the replay after a 2-2 draw in the initial match at Spotland Stadium.
2018: Emirates Sponsorship Extension
Emirates Airline extended their sponsorship deal, originally set to end in 2018, until 2021.
2018: Expansion of Immediate Tie-Breakers in FA Cup
From the 2018-19 season onward, Fifth round ties in the FA Cup were also resolved on the same day with extra time and penalties, eliminating the need for replays.
2018: Mitre Match Balls
In the 2018-19 season, Mitre began supplying match balls for the FA Cup as part of a three-year partnership.
2018: National League System Restructuring Begins
The gradual restructuring of the National League System towards a "perfect" 1-2-4-8-16 structure commenced in 2018-19.
2019: Manchester City's Domestic Treble
In 2019, Manchester City achieved a historic domestic treble, winning the Premier League, the League Cup, and the FA Cup. Their dominant performance solidified their position as one of the top teams in English football.
2019: Manchester City's First League and Cup Double
Manchester City secured their first League and Cup double in 2019, winning both the FA Cup and the league title, showcasing their growing dominance in English football.
2019: Replays Removed from Fifth Round
Replays were eliminated from the fifth round of the FA Cup in 2019-20.
2019: FA Cup Final Delay Due to COVID-19
The 2019-20 FA Cup final was postponed until August as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
September 2020: Replica Trophy Resale
In September 2020, David Gold sold the replica trophy for £760,000 through Bonhams auction house.
2020: Arsenal Wins Fourteenth FA Cup Title
Arsenal secured their fourteenth FA Cup title in 2020, solidifying their status as the most successful club in the competition's history.
2020: Marine FC's Third Round Proper Match Against Tottenham
In 2020, Marine, a member of the Northern Premier League, equaled Chasetown's record by reaching the third round proper. Their match against Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur, although ending in a 5-0 defeat, was a significant event for the club.
January 2021: Replica Trophy's New Owner
In January 2021, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the owner of Manchester City, revealed he purchased the replica trophy and would loan it back to the National Football Museum.
August 2021: First FA Cup Match in the Channel Islands
The first FA Cup match in the Channel Islands, between Jersey Bulls and Horsham YMCA, took place on August 7, 2021.
2021: BBC and ITV Become Joint FA Cup Broadcasters
In 2021, BBC and ITV became joint broadcasters of the FA Cup for the first time since 1988, meaning that all FA Cup matches would be exclusively broadcast on free-to-air television.
2021: Second Emirates Sponsorship Extension
In 2021, Emirates Airline extended their sponsorship of the FA Cup again until 2024.
2021: FA Cup Final Scheduling Shift
In the 2021-22 season, the FA Cup final took place a week before the end of the Premier League season.
2021: Automatic Eligibility for 10th Tier Removed
Starting from 2021-22, automatic eligibility for clubs in the 10th tier of English football was removed from the FA Cup.
2021: New Medal Designs
The FA Cup final's traditional winners and runners-up medals were replaced with new designs for gold winners' medals and silver runners-up medals suspended on a ribbon in 2021.
2021: Final Phase of National League System Restructuring
The final phase of the National League System's restructuring, including the promotion of 107 clubs, took place in 2021-22.
2022: Crown Dependency Teams Eligible but Do Not Participate
Despite being eligible to play in the 2022-23 FA Cup, all Crown Dependency teams either did not appear on the entry list or later withdrew from the competition.
2022: Grimsby Town's Quarter-Final Run
In 2022, Grimsby Town, positioned 16th in EFL League Two, produced a remarkable upset by defeating Premier League side Southampton, advancing to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
2022: FA Cup Entry List Based on 2022-23 English League System
In 2022, the FA Cup entry list was modeled on the English league system of the 2022-23 season, featuring 732 teams.
2022: Liverpool's Second FA Cup and League Cup Double
Liverpool repeated their FA Cup and League Cup double success in 2022, winning both competitions in the same season, confirming their strength in cup competitions.
2022: Full Quota Reached in Restructured National League System
The restructured National League System was fully implemented in 2022-23, with all tiers operating at their full quota of teams.
2023: Non-League Teams Reaching Fifth Round Proper
As of 2023, only eleven non-League teams have reached the fifth round proper of the FA Cup since 1925, highlighting the rarity of such accomplishments.
2023: Maidstone United's Fifth Round Achievement and Financial Gains
In 2023, Maidstone United, playing in the National League South, embarked on an 8-game cup run, culminating in a fifth-round appearance. Their victory over Ipswich Town and subsequent loss to Coventry City, both EFL Championship sides, marked them as the eleventh non-League team to reach this stage. Their success brought in substantial financial rewards for the club.
2023: Manchester City's Continental Treble
In 2023, Manchester City replicated Manchester United's historic achievement, securing the continental treble by winning the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the Champions League.
2023: Potential Increase in FA Cup Entry List
In 2023, the FA Cup entry list could potentially expand to 746 teams, reflecting the addition of 16 clubs at Level 9 of the English league system.
2023: Manchester City's Second League and Cup Double
Manchester City achieved their second League and Cup double in 2023, winning both the FA Cup and the league title, confirming their status as one of the top teams in the country.
2023: Manchester City Wins FA Cup
Manchester City emerged victorious in the 2023 FA Cup final, defeating their local rivals, Manchester United.
2023: Standardized Number of FA Cup Entries
The FA Cup may now see a standardized number of entries due to the removal of automatic eligibility for 10th-tier clubs.
2024: Complete Removal of Replays in FA Cup
Commencing with the 2024-25 FA Cup, replays were completely eliminated from the first round onward, a decision met with disapproval from several lower-tier clubs and government officials.
2024: FA Cup Format Changes
In 2024, the FA Cup will implement a new system where fixtures ending in a tie will be replayed only once prior to the first round.
2024: Replays Removed from First Round Onwards
Starting from the 2024-25 season, replays were removed from all rounds of the FA Cup, including the first round.
2024: End of Current Emirates Sponsorship
The current sponsorship deal with Emirates Airlines is set to expire in 2024.
2024: Extra Preliminary Round Expansion in FA Cup
With the potential increase in the entry list in 2024, the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup would involve 444 teams, while only 50 Level 8 clubs would enter at the preliminary round.
