What is about the FA Cup that everyone goes about saying – it is important, it is tradition, it should be respected. Why do managers, fans, players, and media alike are in the awe of the FA cup?
Let us try to comprehend – from all angles – why the FA Cup is so important in the country of England.
1] A chance to play in Europe
Keeping all the emotions and traditions aside, from a realistic point of view, winning the FA Cup offers a chance for the club to play in Europe. The winners of the FA Cup will get a chance to play in the Europa League. That is the lucrative incentive that keeps the big clubs playing their best 11s.
Finishing in the top 6 has gotten quite difficult these days. Big clubs like Arsenal and Tottenham have lost out on those spots in the recent past. So, the FA Cup provides an alternative route to Europe if things go south in the league. The Europe League incentive is also tempting for smaller clubs so they try their absolute best to compete with the bigger boys.
So all in all from a commercial standpoint, the FA Cup goes beyond than just winning a trophy.
2] David vs Goliath match-ups
In the FA Cup, all the clubs from England participate in this glorious competition. 736 teams participated in the last year’s tournament to give context on how large that number is, only 92 teams participated in the Carabao Cup. Although premier league clubs join in from the 3rd round, there is a possibility that a club from a much lower division can play against a premier league club.
That’s the allure of the FA Cup. It opens the door for such David vs. Goliath battles to take place. Assuming the small clubs can fight their way through to the third round.
One might be surprised that this competition is a mega-giant killer. Minnow clubs have frequently knocked off big teams. Upsets not a rarity in FA Cup.
Another factor is that regardless of whether the little clubs win or lose, the fact that they will play against clubs such as Manchester United makes a significant difference from a commercial standpoint for these small clubs. It may not matter to Premier League clubs, but this one encounter will produce income for smaller clubs, which will benefit them greatly.
As a result, the FA Cup serves as a doorway for major clubs to contribute to England’s football eco-system.
3] A trip to Wembley
The semi-finals and the finals of the competition are played at the Wembley stadium. Say no matter what a match in Wembley is still iconic and playing in front of its near 90,000 capacity is a matter of pride.
Wembley Stadium has held many great and crucial games, making it one of the most iconic venues in the history of football. Besides, a trip to Wembley means you are at the business end of the tournament. With managers under enormous pressure to win trophies, particularly at big clubs, winning a trophy is never a bad thing!
A bad season in terms of league finish can be saved by winning a trophy. It just might save the manager’s job! Aside from that, winning any trophy makes the fans happy!
4] All about heritage
The fact that the sport of football itself became official in 1869 and the FA Cup started in 1871 speaks enough about its importance.
151 years ago, this magnificent competition was invented. With such a long history it is the oldest cup competition ever, and not just in England but in the entire footballing world.
The FA Cup has not changed one bit since its invention and that is why it exudes nostalgia and traditional values like no other.
The FA Cup is a very special tournament in England. May it carry forward its heritage and importance as long as football exists.