Top-four seeding of Women's FA Cup would kill the magic and widen money gap

The Football Association's (FA) proposed plan to seed the top four Women's Super League (WSL) sides in the FA Cup draw has sparked outrage among fans, clubs, and players. The move would eliminate the magic of the traditional FA Cup draw, where any team could potentially face any other in each round.

The plan aims to increase revenue from broadcasters and commercial partners by creating a more predictable competition format. However, this approach has been met with strong opposition from supporters' groups and clubs, who believe it undermines the very essence of the FA Cup.

Critics argue that seeding only four clubs would give them an unfair advantage in the competition, which is already dominated by these teams. The idea is seen as insulting to smaller clubs and those fighting for promotion through the lower tiers.

Instead of boosting the top-four teams, fans suggest pouring more resources into lifting up the lower tiers. This could involve investing in grassroots programs, improving stadium facilities, and providing better support for part-time or amateur clubs.

The Manchester City Official Women's Supporters Club has already voiced its opposition to seeding the top four, stating that it goes against the FA Cup's traditional values. The Football Supporters' Association (FSA) is also engaging with the FA on this issue, as part of their review of the competition.

While no final decisions have been made yet, stakeholders are being given the opportunity to provide feedback before a plan will be presented to the FA board in April. It remains to be seen how this will impact the future of women's football competitions.

The FA's proposal highlights concerns about the lack of representation and investment in lower tiers of the pyramid. The entry tier review has also sparked fears about potential disruption to league fixtures, particularly for WSL clubs with derbies scheduled during the men's international break.

Ultimately, the decision will depend on whether the FA prioritizes revenue generation over the traditional values that make the FA Cup unique.

Ugh, seeding those top 4 teams in the FA Cup draw? Come on ! It's like they're trying to suck all the magic out of the competition. I mean, who wants to watch a bunch of predictable matches when you can have any team beat anyone else at any time?

But for real though, it's not just about the excitement of the game. It's about fairness and representation. Those top 4 teams already dominate the WSL anyway, so what's the point of even including them in the FA Cup? Doesn't that just perpetuate the inequality?

I think the FA should be focusing on lifting up those lower-tier clubs instead. They need more resources, better facilities, and support to compete with the likes of Manchester City and Co. Not to mention improving the grassroots programs so we can develop a more balanced league.

And what about all the derbies that get messed up because of scheduling conflicts? It's not fair to those teams or their fans. Let's keep the FA Cup as a true competition, not just some watered-down version designed to line the pockets of the rich and famous .

[Image of a sad football player with a red X through it ]

[GIF of a group of people protesting with signs that say "Fairness for all teams" ]

[Image of a graph showing an upward trend with a big X marked through it, labeled "Revenue generation over tradition"]

[Giphy: A montage of footballs bouncing away as the FA's proposal is rejected]

I'm literally fuming about this ! What's wrong with having a proper draw where anyone can face anyone? It's what makes the FA Cup so special . Seeding just four teams is like, so not on. I mean, wouldn't it be awesome to see some underdog team pull off an epic upset and win the whole thing? Give those lower-tier clubs a chance to shine!

I think it's a total shame if they seed the top four teams in the FA Cup draw . It's supposed to be an equal chance for everyone to compete against each other, and this plan would just give those four teams a massive advantage . The lower tiers are already struggling to get attention and investment, so do we really want to make it harder for them?

Instead of focusing on the top four teams, I think the FA should be investing in grassroots programs and improving stadium facilities for the lower tiers ️. That would help create a more level playing field and give smaller clubs a fair chance to shine .

It's not just about revenue generation, it's also about preserving the spirit of the FA Cup . The traditional draw is what makes it special, and I don't think seeding the top four teams does anything but take away from that magic .

I'm low-key disappointed in this proposed plan . I think it's a total game-changer for the wrong reasons . By seeding only four teams, we're basically saying they're gonna win all the prizes without even breaking a sweat . Meanwhile, smaller clubs and those fighting to get promoted are getting left behind .

I'd rather see more resources poured into lifting up the lower tiers . Investing in grassroots programs, stadium upgrades, and better support for part-time clubs would be a huge step forward . It's all about creating a level playing field where everyone has a fair chance to shine .

Let's not forget what makes the FA Cup so magical – it's the unpredictability ! By eliminating that, we're basically taking away part of its charm . I'm keeping an eye on this development and hoping the FA listens to fan feedback before making a decision #FAcup #WomenSoccer #InnovationOverTradition

I'm totally with the seeding plan, lol it's about time we get some financial stability in women's football. I mean, who wants to watch a team get eliminated by an 80-1 shot every round? smaller clubs need more support than ever and seeding the top four is just another way to help them compete on a level playing field.

Investing in grassroots programs and stadium upgrades sounds great, but let's be real, that takes time and money . Seeding the top four now gives the best teams a better chance of winning the FA Cup and getting more revenue from broadcasting deals. It's not about "undermining the magic" of the FA Cup, it's about making it a more exciting competition for fans to watch. And if some smaller clubs don't like it, well, that's just part of the game

I'm so done with this seeding plan. It's like they're trying to suck all the excitement out of the FA Cup . Can't we just let the underdogs have a chance to shine for once? Those top four teams are already on top, no need to give them an unfair advantage. It's time to invest in the grassroots and help smaller clubs grow, not stifle their potential with a predictable format.

Ugh I dont get why they wanna mess with the whole thing . The magic of the FA cup is what makes it special! Its like changing the rules in a game and expecting everyone to just go along with it. I mean, who needs predictability when you can have upsets? Small clubs are getting squeezed out anyway, so this just feels like another nail in their coffin . Let's focus on lifting those guys up instead of giving more power to the already powerful teams. It's all about fairness and representation, imo

Ugh I'm so done with this seeding thing . It just feels like the FA is more worried about lining their pockets than preserving the magic of the FA Cup. I mean, what's wrong with a little unpredictability every now and then? It makes for way more exciting matches! And yeah, I get it, revenue is important but not at the expense of the lower tiers . Those clubs are struggling just to stay afloat, let alone make a run in the FA Cup. We need to be supporting them, not giving them a participation trophy by seeding only four teams . Give me a good ol' fashioned cup upset any day!

I think seeding the top four teams in the FA Cup draw is a pretty questionable move from the FA. It's understandable that they want to increase revenue, but do we really need to sacrifice the magic of the competition to get there? The idea of smaller clubs feeling like they're being disrespected or held back by this proposal is definitely valid

I'd rather see the FA invest more in grassroots programs and supporting lower tiers. It would be a great way to promote diversity and inclusivity in women's football, while also addressing some of the issues with representation and investment at the bottom of the pyramid

It's interesting that the FSA is engaging with the FA on this issue – I hope they can find a balance between generating revenue and preserving the traditional values of the competition

idk why they gotta mess w/ the fa cup tradition it's supposed to be all about any team beating any other team in each round, not just 4 teams getting a free pass every year lol what's next, seeded men's league too? the lower tiers r where the real action is and they wanna ignore them for more cash i say invest in grassroots programs instead, get those smaller clubs up to speed so they can compete w/ the big boys

I'm like "what's wrong with a little unpredictability?" I mean, the whole point of the FA Cup is to give anyone a chance to lift that trophy, right? And now you're telling me that only four teams can even get into the competition? It feels like it's all about lining up some big bucks for the broadcasters instead of keeping the spirit alive. What's next, are they gonna seed the men's league too? That would be a total joke!

I'm not sure why the top 4 teams need a special treatment . It's already easy for them to win trophies and make a profit. What about the others who are just trying to compete? This seeding plan is gonna ruin the magic of the FA Cup. And what about all those smaller clubs and part-time players who can't afford the same resources as the top teams? They're the ones who need help, not given an advantage . Invest in grassroots programs instead, that's where the future of football lies .

The FA's plan is like a punch in the gut to all those lower tier teams . They're just trying to boost their own revenue but it comes at the cost of the magic of the FA Cup . I mean, what's the fun in knowing which team you'll play each round? Where's the excitement? It's all about the drama and upsets that make the tournament special ️.

And don't even get me started on the seeding thing . Four teams getting a free pass just because they're good at football doesn't sit right with me . What about those smaller clubs who are working hard to prove themselves? They deserve a fair chance too!

We need more investment in the lower tiers, not less . Grassroots programs and stadium improvements would be amazing for the sport . Let's support our local teams and get the FA Cup back on track ️.

I'm so mad about this proposed plan ! I mean, what's wrong with a little unpredictability? It's what makes the FA Cup so exciting in the first place . If they're really worried about revenue, shouldn't they be looking at ways to make the competition more accessible to smaller clubs? Like, investing in grassroots programs or something . I've been to some crazy derbies with my mates and it's always an event . But seeding just four teams is a total no-go for me . It's like they're saying smaller clubs don't matter anymore . Let's hope the FSA can make some noise about this and get the FA to reconsider !

I mean, can't we just keep it fair and have teams compete against each other without knowing who they'll face next? It's all about the drama of not knowing what's gonna happen in each round Plus, seeding only four clubs would kinda ruin the excitement of maybe a tiny non-league team pulling off a huge upset . They should focus on lifting up the lower tiers instead, that way we'll see more variety and fresh faces competing

I totally get why people are upset about seeding the top four teams in the FA Cup draw . It feels like the magic of the tournament is getting lost in all this, you know? Like, who cares if Chelsea or Manchester City might win a round? The point is to play each other and see what happens! ️

And I'm with those smaller clubs too . They're the ones struggling to stay afloat, fighting for promotion through the lower tiers... it's like, don't you want them to have a chance? Pouring more resources into grassroots programs and stuff could actually make the game better in the long run .

But at the same time, I get why the FA wants to boost revenue . It's all about making the WSL (and men's leagues) more attractive to sponsors and broadcasters . But can't they find a way to do that without messing with the FA Cup?

Ugh, this is gonna be a long season if they really go through with seeding the top four teams in the FA Cup draw I mean, what's next? Giving the top teams a free pass to the quarterfinals just because they're pretty and can kick a ball well . No, seriously, it's all about the money, right? They want more revenue from broadcasters and commercial partners. Well, that's great for them, but what about the rest of us who actually love the FA Cup for its unpredictability and excitement? Can't they just let the magic happen naturally instead of trying to control every little detail? And another thing, if they're really worried about smaller clubs getting left behind, why not invest in those programs instead of just giving the top teams a free ride? It's all about priorities, I guess .

Ugh I get why they wanna increase revenue but seeding top four teams in the FA cup draw is just plain crazy . It takes away from the excitement of seeing any team take on anyone in each round. The bigger clubs are already dominating, what's the point of giving them an even bigger advantage? ️ I'm with the Manchester City fans and FSA – let's focus on lifting up those lower tiers instead We should be investing more in grassroots programs and bettering stadium facilities so smaller clubs can compete on a level playing field. It's time for some real change, not just lining pockets with cash