FA Cup - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. The FA Cup, also known as the Football Association Challenge Cup, is the oldest football competition in the world. It was first held in the 1871-1872 season.
- 2. The FA Cup is open to all clubs in the top 10 levels of the English football league system, which includes teams from the Premier League down to level 10.
- 3. The FA Cup is a knockout competition, with teams playing single-elimination matches until a winner is crowned. There are a total of 14 rounds in the competition, starting with the extra preliminary round and culminating in the final at Wembley Stadium.
- 4. The FA Cup final is traditionally held in May at Wembley Stadium in London. It is one of the most prestigious fixtures in English football and attracts a global audience.
- 5. The current holders of the FA Cup are Leicester City, who won the competition in the 2020-2021 season by defeating Chelsea in the final.
- 6. The record for most FA Cup wins by a single club is held by Arsenal, who have won the competition 14 times. They are followed by Manchester United with 12 wins and Chelsea with 8 wins.
- 7. The FA Cup has seen its fair share of giant killings over the years, with lower league teams often causing upsets against higher-ranked opponents. One of the most famous upsets in FA Cup history came in 2013 when Wigan Athletic, then a Championship side, defeated Manchester City in the final.
- 8. The FA Cup has a rich history of memorable finals, with iconic moments such as Steven Gerrard's last-minute equalizer for Liverpool against West Ham in 2006 and Ricky Villa's solo goal for Tottenham Hotspur against Manchester City in 1981.
- 9. The FA Cup is known for its tradition of allowing non-league clubs to compete against professional teams. These "minnows" often capture the imagination of fans with their underdog performances in the competition.
- 10. The FA Cup is not only about glory and silverware but also offers significant financial rewards for participating clubs. The winners of the competition receive a cash prize, as well as a place in the following season's UEFA Europa League.