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FA Cup overhaul proposed

The FA Cup could be overhauled if latest proposals are approved © Getty Images

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The FA Cup returns this weekend and three mouthwatering ties are live on ESPN, with Chelsea's replay against Everton getting the action underway on Saturday. Then comes Arsenal's trip to Leyton Orient, followed by a tricky Monday night tie for West Ham against Burnley. Click here for subscription details.

The FA Cup will undergo the biggest overhaul in its history, but the new plans will not see the winners given the fourth Champions League slot.

The Football Association board is considering proposals to revamp the competition, including seeding the competition at the Third Round stage to ensure more potential giantkilling clashes, and a 17.30 BST kick-off time for the final to suit television coverage.

Plans are almost ready to be put forward to the full FA counsel for final approval, but a source told ESPNsoccernet that there is stubborn resistance to the idea of allowing the Cup winners to qualify for Europe's premier competition.

"The big problem is the concern that the four places might one day become three if the FA Cup winners are not strong enough to progress past the qualifying round,'' he said. "English football would then be in danger of losing its coefficient rating which gives it four places instead of three.

"Portsmouth [now relegated to the Championship] reached the final and might have won it [in 2010], so everyone has to be very careful about this. The other reason, of course, is that the Premier League wouldn't give up the fourth place in any case!"

Portsmouth won the FA Cup final in 2008 as a secure Premier League side, but in 2010 they were in financial meltdown.

UEFA president Michel Platini has previously given his backing to the idea - having first proposed it himself two years ago - claiming in March 2010 that trophy winners should be given a chance among Europe's elite; although he concedes it would be tough to implement.

"It's difficult to change the tournament because it's a great success," Platini told Fox Sports. "The access list is something we can think about for the future, and I am always feeling and thinking that the winners of the Cup perhaps have to participate in this competition.

"They are champions as they have won a trophy and this is the Champions League. But it's complicated and very difficult."

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