FA Cup set to introduce fourth substitute for the 2016-17 competition as Football Association trial innovative new format

Teams competing in next season's FA Cup will be allowed to use a fourth substitute for the first time
The new law will only apply to sides playing in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and Wembley final
A fourth substitute will only be allowed if the game goes to extra time
The Football Association are trialling the system which was used in the Copa America earlier this summer
Teams in the 2016-17 FA Cup are set to be allowed to use a fourth substitute during extra time as the Football Association trials a new format for the first time.

The innovation - which follows the announcement of a sudden-death format for the last eight stage - will only apply to teams playing in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and Wembley final.

It means clubs who have used their regular three substitutions in normal time would be able to make an additional replacement should the game go beyond 90 minutes.


The 2016-17 FA Cup will see the introduction of a fourth substitute for the first time


Next season's tournament will see the introduction of an extra substitution allowed in extra time only

The latest trial scheme to be planned for next season's FA Cup was also trialled in the Copa America earlier this summer with English football's most famous competition now set to follow suit.

FA bosses believe they must make the tournament as appealing as possible to fans and are willing to trial new rules and regulations to see if they are a success.

With the new substitute rule and no replays in the quarter-finals, the FA say new initiatives will continue to be explored to ensure the FA Cup retains its status and appeal.

'The Emirates FA Cup is renowned for its great history and tradition but, as the game's governing body, it is important The FA continues to look at how it can further add to the drama and spectacle of a competition loved by millions around the world,' said FA chief executive Martin Glenn.

'With the cup now adopting a straight knock-out format from the quarter-finals onwards, the introduction of a fourth substitute in extra time will bring extra intrigue and interest.'


The FA say their new laws are designed to make the tournament as appealing as possible to fans


Alongside an extra substitute, next season's FA Cup will also feature a sudden-death format in the quarter-finals and beyond

Glenn, who this week confirmed the appointment of Sam Allardyce as the new England manager, added: 'From a technical point of view, it will be interesting to see how managers use the chance to make an additional substitution in such high-profile games and the impact it has on the final result.

'Player welfare and being mindful of the number of games people play at the elite level has also been a consideration.'

Last season's FA Cup final, in which Manchester United were 2-1 winners over Crystal Palace at Wembley, went to extra time.


Last season's FA Cup final went to extra time. If that were to happen again in the season ahead, both teams would be able to make one more change in the added half hour


This season’s competition gets under way on Friday, August 5 with 184 extra preliminary round ties

Jesse Lingard's 110th minute goal secured victory for United but with both teams having made all three of their substitutes in the regulation 90 minutes, no further changes were possible in the extra half an hour of action.

Should that happen again in the season ahead, both teams would be able to bring on a fresh pair of legs if they felt the need to do so.

This season’s competition gets under way on Friday, August 5 with 184 extra preliminary round ties taking place.

A total of 736 clubs will be involved this season with the show-piece finale coming at Wembley on Saturday, May 27 next year, the tenth anniversary since the national stadium reopened.