Arsenal call for end to replays

Arsenal call for end to replays

Wenger is upset at the growing demands on his players

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and vice-chairman David Dein have called for an end to FA Cup replays.

Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Chelsea on Saturday means some of Arsenal's players will face an exhausting programme of five games in 13 days.

"I would rather finish the tie on the day, going to extra-time and then penalties if need be, from the third round onwards," Wenger said.

"The problem is that replays make money and clubs will not vote for it. But it's difficult to plan all these fixtures with replays."

Academy: Are players facing exhaustion?

Arsenal take on Everton on 23 March before they face Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter-final replay at Stamford Bridge two days later.

The likes of David Seaman and Sol Campbell will then be involved in England's back-to-back Euro 2004 qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Turkey.

Arsenal's French contingent are also involved in qualifiers before the Gunners are back in action on 5 April against Aston Villa.

Wenger's fixture headache

23 March v Everton

25 March v Chelsea

29 March Euro 2004 qualifiers

2 April Euro 2004 qualifiers

5 April v Aston Villa

Dein, who is also vice-chairman of the FA, would be rather more reluctant to lose FA Cup replays entirely but he admits that "something must be done".

"I also understand it from the point of view of the smaller clubs, like when Stevenage forced a replay at Newcastle a few years ago," he said.

"The solution could be to have FA Cup replays only before the fifth round, although that could cause some confusion for supporters if the rules change halfway through the competition.

"Maybe that could be the first stage. But, at the moment, I just think that something has to give."

England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson's preparations for England's Euro 2004 qualifier will be affected by the replay, with Arsenal and Chelsea players unable to take part in the first two full training sessions ahead of the game against Liechtenstein.

Eriksson added his voice to the chorus for replays to be scrapped on Monday.

"Yes, if I talk as England manager," Eriksson said when asked by BBC Sport if he wanted replays abolished.

"But of course I understand replays can be very important to First Division teams and there is money involved. But as England manager I would like not to see them."

Wenger added: "I don't think it's the best day for that as now we are playing on the Tuesday night."

"Despite Arsenal and Chelsea having a replay, England should still have enough strength to beat Liechtenstein though."

France will also be unhappy at the development, given that they face Malta on 29 March, while other countries, such as Sweden and Holland, could also be affected.

Wenger may seek to reduce the pressure on his own side by moving their Premiership game against Everton from Sunday 23 March to the previous day.

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