FA Cup deal can have a ‘transformational impact’ on grassroots football

A deal struck between the Football Association (FA) and overseas broadcasters for the FA Cup rights could have a “transformational impact” on the grassroots game, according to the chief executive.

Martin Glenn said the six-season agreement – which goes through until the end of the 2023/24 season – was “hugely significant”, and pledged that the increased finance would go towards grassroots infrastructure despite declining to disclose the financial details.

He added: “The FA is a not-for-profit organisation. It means we will be able to invest even more than we currently do in pitches, facilities and participation programmes to make football available for all.”

The deal for the television rights covers Western Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

Last year the FA pledged to put £260m (US$317.8m, €292m) into grassroots football over the next four years, with an additional initial £50m (US$61.1m, €56.1m) committed to the launch of its Parklife artificial grass hubs across English cities.

However, Glenn’s comments suggest that resources for grassroots football will increase over that time period.

“It is not overstating it to say that it could have a transformational impact on what we are able to achieve across the country,” he added.