The Football Association have this afternoon confirmed that the FA Cup Quarter-Final replay between West Ham and Manchester United is to be switched to Wednesday 13th April with 7pm kick off.
whufc.com originally announced the date of 6th April on Friday but this was quickly removed on Saturday when it was clear that UEFA permission had not been given.
The first proposed date clashed with Manchester City’s first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against PSG.
The FA say extensive discussions have taken place with all associated parties regarding the scheduling of this fixture since the two clubs drew 1-1 at Old Trafford, with limited options available. The FA say they recognise the agreed date may not be an ideal solution for all but believed it was the most appropriate available within the congested football calendar.
FA Chief Executive Martin Glenn said: “We have worked closely with all parties concerned to come up with the best possible outcome. In so doing, we have sought to take into account the needs of fans, clubs, leagues and broadcasters – and balanced these considerations against the wider fixture schedule.”
Thx for that – Very good. Quite apart from this site offering a great forum, this info and the rail closures warning for Nobes testimonial has been very welcome. Good work C+H.
COYI!
Yes your replay ticket is valid for the 13th April. However, equally anyone who bought a ticket thinking it was the 6th April will be able to get a full refund if they can no longer make the match.
Dear C+H, I bought my replay ticket online for hte 6th, with it loaded onto my season ticket. My email confirmation of course says 6th. I presume they will simply make my card valid for the 13th instead. I have emailed the box office, but imagine they are (understandably) just a bit busy to reply right now. Can you get this confirmed?
COYI!
With special emphasis on the interests of the Broadcasters – BT must be really put out but they’ve managed to avoid clashing with Man City in the Champions League but you’d have to say that avoiding Barcelona would have been the more sensible course of action!
Apparently UEFA are very unhappy with the audience figures that Bt Sports are getting for their coverage of the Champions League, roughly a third of the audience that Sky/ITV were getting last year leaving sponsors and advertisers less thsn impressed!
UEFA shouldn’t care as they get their money from the TV companies, It is BT Sports that should care about dwindling viewing figures as it is their advertisers they are trying to keep happy.
Also the move as meant BBC has picked up the semi-final which will kick off 45 minutes before the Barcelona quarter-final second leg on BT Sport Europe.