The FA have released a statement following backlash over its decision to scrap FA Cup replays from next season.
Fans and pundits expressed concern at the move which would leave lower league clubs without the opportunity of earning much-needed revenue to stay afloat.
The FA say they hope to allay fears by sharing details on how clubs can take advantage of additional revenue opportunities in early rounds.
The changes are to be kept under review to ensure lower league clubs do not lose out.
An FA statement added: “We have been discussing the calendar for the 2024-25 season with the Premier League and EFL for well over a year.
“Removing Emirates FA Cup replays was discussed in the early meetings and all parties accepted that they could not continue. The discussions then focused on how to make all of our competitions stronger, despite having fewer dates available and wanting to maintain player welfare.
“The changes to the Emirates FA Cup achieve this by returning it to a weekend competition on every round, and ensuring that we have exclusive broadcast slots in an increasingly congested calendar.
“To clarify, we have also increased the number of Emirates FA Cup matches that will be broadcast in the early rounds, which will lead to additional guaranteed broadcast revenue for EFL and National League teams. Additionally, we review the prize money annually for the competition, together with representatives from the EFL and PL and will do the same for the 2024-25 season.”
The changes were imposed to help put spotlight back on the competition but an angry backlash from the EFL sparked the FA into Friday’s statement.
EFL chairman Trevor Birch said on Thursday: “The EFL notes today’s joint announcement from the FA and Premier League regarding the removal of FA Cup replays and wider calendar changes.
“Whilst the league had previously been involved in discussions over the future of the calendar, these were predicated on the agreement of a new financial deal with the Premier League for EFL Clubs which has not progressed.
“This is frustrating and disappointing given the calendar is a shared asset across football and as we have consistently said a while game approach is required to find solutions to complex fixture scheduling challenges.
“We will now be discussing the implications for EFL clubs and seeking appropriate compensation arrangements.”
The new plans to be implemented from next season include all rounds to be played at the weekend with round four to be featured over six-successive days so fans can consume as much FA Cup football as possible.
The fourth and fifth round as well as the quarter final will be exclusive to specific weekends with no Premier League interference.
Meanwhile the Final will be played on the penultimate Saturday of the season with no Premier League games to be played either the day before or the day of the final.