Leeds United’s position on FA Cup replays revealed as Whites boss gives Stuart Dallas an update

Leeds United chief executive Angus Kinnear has expressed his disappointment at the Football Association’s decision to scrap replays ahead of next year’s competition.

The Whites CEO was part of a Supporters Advisory Board (SAB) meeting held at Elland Road late last month. A number of topics were discussed, with the FA Cup being a major talking point.

It has been confirmed that ahead of the 2024/25 season, the Football Association will get rid of replays following the first round of the competition. The changes come as part of a new six-year deal with the Premier League.

Kinnear said he was “disappointed” with the outcome and the way the situation was handled when reviewing the minutes of the meeting. He also explained that the English Football League was “not part of the decision”.

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The reaction from clubs in the football pyramid was evident, with several clubs releasing statements expressing their disappointment at the decision. Leeds won the competition in 1972 after beating Arsenal in the final, facing a replay en route to Wembley, beating Liverpool in the fourth round.

Kinnear was also able to discuss Stuart Dallas’ role as the Whites look to keep him involved at the club. The Northern Ireland international has ended his professional career after a two-year spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.

He has ended his nine-year stay at Elland Road as a footballer, but it has been confirmed that the club are looking at ways to keep him involved at Thorp Arch. Kinnear confirmed this in the meeting and said the 33-year-old was “extremely grateful for all the support he has received”.

Plans for Leeds United’s women’s side have also been mooted. Simon Wood’s side ended their National Women’s League Division 1 North campaign in sixth place with 34 points after being beaten on the final day by Chester le Street Town.

The team is currently in the fourth tier of the women’s football pyramid, meaning they would need three promotions to reach the Women’s Super League. Kinnear explained that LUFCW wants to be a WSL team eventually, however the league format which only allows for one promotion spot means that “buying” promotion is not feasible.