The FA Cup, or the Football Association Challenge Cup, is a men’s knockout football competition that is held in an annual basis. This annual English football competition is considered the oldest national competition of its kind, which started in 1871. It was organized by The Football Association. In 2015, the competition was renamed to, “The Emirates FA Cup”.

FA Cup Eligibility

The Football Association Challenge Cup or the Emirates FA Cup is open to any club of the English football league system which is down to level 10 or part of the top ten. All clubs that are part of the top four levels, which include the Football League’s three divisions and Premier League, are considered automatic players. The remaining clubs who are part of the sixth to tenth place are also eligible provided that they have been part of the FA Vase, FA Trophy or FA Cup during the previous season. In addition, newly-formed clubs are not eligible to join the FA Cup during their first season.

Furthermore, all the clubs that are aiming to be eligible for the FA cup must have their own suitable stadium.

At present, the FA Cup is home to an average range of 600 to 700 clubs per season. If it will be compared to other clubs operating within Europe like the like the League Cup, the FA Cup boasts the greatest number of club registrants.

FA Cup Venues

There are a number of options when it comes to where the competitions of the FA Cup will be held. In general, the home ground of one of the two teams that are competing can be the venue during the 12 rounds or the beginning leg of the competition. The venue is decided by drawing fixtures. There are also times when home grounds are not used as venues due to several factors. These include other events taking place, ground not being prepared according to specifications of popular teams or security reasons.

When it comes to the semi-finals and final rounds, the venue moves to a neutral ground. This is at the Wembley Stadium. This stadium has been home to semi-finals and final round competitions for the FA Cup since 2007.