FA Warning To Clubs In Cup Competitions

Last updated : 27 January 2004 By Mark Heys
Colin Gibson, the FA Director of Communications has issued a warning to clubs like Bolton Wanderers who field weakend teams for cup ties that they may face disciplinary action in the future if they are to be seen disrespecting the competitions by making wholesale changes.

Gibson says the FA have frowned upon a number of sides this season for the way in which they have rested players for important cup ties and says that clubs could be punished in the future if problems persist.

"It has not gone unnoticed that some clubs have not fielded anything like their strongest teams this season. While it's only a few teams, I would like to emphasise just how important it is for managers to respect the values of the FA Cup and the importance supporters place in it" he said

"Clubs and managers should also remember that it is the paying public - their fans - who suffer most when they field a weakened team, which is clearly unacceptable. We will not be taking any disciplinary action on this occasion but in future we will be monitoring this area of the game very closely."