Football tournaments are held in different countries and on all inhabited continents. However, there is one competition that stands apart. This is the FA Cup, which is the oldest football competition. You can find out more about its features and advantages on FA Cup.
Competition characteristics
The very principle of the cup competition is based on knockout matches between opponents. At each stage, pairs of teams are formed by drawing lots, and the winner based on the sum of two matches, or one, goes further.
For the FA Cup, this simple principle is complemented by democracy. The competition is started by teams from the junior leagues, which, thanks to their actions on the football field and the results achieved, can get through further. This often happens when small teams go far thanks to their play.
Premier League teams begin participation from the third stage. However, the emergence of the strongest does not reduce unpredictability. This is achieved due to two principles:
- The draw does not have a “seeding” principle, that is, strong teams can immediately get into each other, and one of them will fly out of the draw.
- The stage consists of one game, which increases the share of chance and sensations are more common than in two-match confrontations.
- This approach increases unpredictability, and therefore the interest of fans. They watch the draw live, experiencing excitement, rejoicing at a successful outcome. Even getting to the favorites means that fans of small teams can see stars in their stadium.
BBC and ITV organize broadcasts for the English audience, for foreign broadcasters are ESPN, DAZN and other well-known companies.
Prestige of the tournament
This competition is popular, it is watched by tens of millions of fans, both in England and other countries. This alone increases the importance of the tournament. Also, the winner immediately gets to the group stage of the Europa League. Sometimes this opportunity is given to the cup finalist. This is a significant bonus for teams not in the top five of the championship.
The passion of the fight on the football field, the unpredictability of the outcome, the denouement of many matches comes at the very end or even in a penalty shootout add prestige.
The attention from TV and sponsors allows for money to be made, which is important for the smaller teams in the weaker English leagues. The tournament has a large audience at home and abroad.
