The Football Association Challenge Cup, lovingly known as the FA Cup, is the oldest football competition globally. In 2019-20, it reached its 139th edition, a milestone that truly speaks to its legacy. This edition was sponsored by Emirates, hence its official name – The Emirates FA Cup.
Manchester City, the reigning champions, were hoping for a repeat victory, but their hopes were dashed when Arsenal defeated them in the semi-finals. The 2019-20 FA Cup journey was, however, marked by a global crisis – the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, the FA, along with all professional football in England, had to hit the pause button, causing a temporary halt to the tournament.
The Return of the FA Cup
The football world eagerly awaited the return of the FA Cup, and in May 2020, the FA unveiled plans to restart the competition. The quarter-finals were rescheduled for late June, with the final slated for August 1st. To ensure the safety of everyone involved, all remaining matches were to be played behind closed doors, a somber but necessary precaution.
In a heartwarming gesture, the 2020 FA Cup Final was christened the “Heads Up FA Cup Final,” a brilliant initiative aimed at promoting positive mental health, an idea championed by Prince William, the President of The Football Association. This change reflects the FA’s commitment to using their platform to address important social issues.
The Road to Wembley: A Glimpse into the Qualifying Rounds
The journey to the FA Cup final is a long and winding road, particularly for teams outside the Premier League and the English Football League. These teams had to compete in a series of qualifying rounds, with only 32 teams earning a spot in the First Round Proper. The qualification process commenced in August 2019 with the Extra Preliminary Round. The fourth and final qualifying round took place in October 2019.
The draw for the First Round Proper was held in October 2019, where the 32 qualifying winners were matched against 47 clubs from League One and League Two. This round was played in November, with one team getting a bye – Chichester City. This team, along with Maldon & Tiptree, became the lowest ranked teams to reach the First Round, making history and inspiring aspiring footballers.
The Early Stages: A Thriving Competition
The Second Round Proper, held in late November, saw 20 teams, including the first round winners and Chichester City, battle for a place in the next round. The Third Round Proper, played in early January 2020, brought together the 20 Second Round winners and the 20 Premier League and 24 Championship teams. All matches were delayed by one minute to encourage fans to pause and reflect on their mental health, highlighting the tournament’s commitment to promoting well-being.
The Fourth Round, held in late January, saw the competition take a sharp turn, with no more replays. Any draw would be decided by extra time and, if needed, penalties. This round featured Northampton Town, a League Two team, the lowest-ranked team to reach this stage.
The Final Stretch: The Pandemic’s Impact
The fifth round, played in early March, saw Portsmouth, a League One team, as the lowest-ranked side competing. The draw for the quarter-finals was held in March, and the matches were initially scheduled for late March. However, the COVID-19 pandemic intervened, forcing a postponement. The quarter-finals were finally played in June, with all the matches featuring Premier League teams. This marked the first all-Premier League quarter-finals since 2006.
The semi-finals, played in July, were held at Wembley Stadium and showcased the tournament’s resilience in the face of adversity. The final, scheduled for August 1st, is set to be a thrilling event. The FA Cup, despite the pandemic’s challenges, persevered, reminding everyone of the unifying power of football. This edition of the FA Cup will be remembered for its dedication to mental health, its ability to adapt to the changing circumstances, and its unwavering commitment to the beautiful game.
