How does the FA Cup work??

[cliffkram]

If anyone can tell me how the FA Cup is structured I'd like to know. I know as much as all Premiership clubs automatically get into the Round of 64 (?) How do the lower level clubs (2nd, 3rd, Conf, subConf) enter into the competition? Who do they play in Qualifiers?

Thanks.

[Peakite]

Premiership/1st division clubs enter in the third round
2nd/3rd division clubs in the 1st
Conference sides in the fourth (and final) qualifying round


I'm a little unsure these days below this, but I think

Level six clubs in the 2nd qualifying round

Level seven in the 1st qualifying round

Then the rest in either the premliminary round or extra premliminary round (the very first round of the competition, which has already been played) depending upon the draw.

You should find a full list of exemptions on the FA's site.

[JoBeck]

If I'm not mistaken, clubs who wish to play in the preliminary rounds must also register for the FA Trophy or the FA Vase, do they not?

[John Boy]

They have to have played in the Vase (or Trophy) previously before they can enter the FA Cup.

For instance I believe AFC Wimbledon were formed to late to enter the Vase last season, but are in it this year and will enter the Cup next year.

[MightyBees]

You have to 'qualify' for the FA Cup.
The Competition begins with an Extra-Preliminary Round in August. There is then a Preliminary Round, four Qualfying Rounds, followed by six Rounds in the Competition Proper, a Semi-Final and a Final. Currently, the Football Conference Clubs are exempted to the Fourth Qualifying Round, the Football League Second and Third Division Clubs are exempted to the First Round Proper and the F.A. Premier League Clubs and Football League First Division Clubs are exempted to the Third Round Proper stage. All matches, except the Semi-Final and Final ties are replayed if drawn after 90 minutes. The Semi-Finals and Final tie are played to a finish on the day.

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