The Magic of the FA Cup
Written just before the 2011/2012 FA cup final with refreshed stats added in May 2025
As a child, FA Cup Final day wasn’t just a football match—it was a national event. The entire day was a ritual. From early morning to evening, we were glued to the television, flipping between Grandstand and World of Sport. Those iconic programs, much like the magic of the FA Cup itself, now belong to a different era.
From Helicopters to Hype: The Day Itself
Mornings began with player interviews over breakfast, followed by special episodes of A Question of Sport or cameos on TISWAS and Multi-Coloured Swap Shop. By lunchtime, we watched the team buses pulling away, often accompanied by some dreadful—but endearing—Cup Final songs.
And who could forget the helicopters? Tracking team coaches along the M1, swooping down over Wembley, capturing every mile of the journey to football’s most sacred ground.
We knew the result mattered, of course—but in those days, just watching football on TV felt like a treat. One match a season on the box was a major event. The Cup Final was ours—a shared national celebration, rich with tradition and atmosphere.
Where Did It All Go Wrong?
Many trace the beginning of the end to 1999, when Manchester United opted out of the FA Cup to compete in FIFA’s first World Club Championship. The FA, keen to win favour for a 2006 World Cup bid, encouraged United’s withdrawal. It was unprecedented. The defending champions didn’t defend their crown. Something broke that year.
But in truth, the decline began earlier. On October 2, 1983, live league football made its debut on UK television with Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Hotspur. That match opened the floodgates. What started as novelty became saturation.
By 2012/13, there were 158 Premier League games televised. That didn’t include the Championship, EFL, Champions League, Europa League, or international fixtures. Football became wallpaper. The FA Cup, once a diamond on the calendar, now competes with 24/7 content.
A Tradition Replaced by Routine
Between 1977 and 1990, I never missed a final (apart from 1991—thanks, work). In the early years, it was a family affair in the living room. Later, it became a social event with friends, sweepstakes, drinks, and banter. It felt big. You remembered where you were, who you were with, even what songs were played in the pub.
But now? The FA Cup Final is often kicked off at 5:15 pm, buried in the middle of a packed football weekend. It’s no longer the grand finale. It’s just another game.
The Final Nail
This year’s final doesn’t feel like an event. There’s no buzz. No build-up. No special programming. The Cup Final has become just another fixture, its aura eroded by modern football’s obsession with revenue, rotations, and “bigger” competitions.
So, farewell, FA Cup.
You were once the crown jewel of the season—Now, you’re just another line on the fixture list.
UK Live Football Broadcasts by Competition (2012–13 to 2024–25)
| Season | Premier League | EFL | FA Cup | EFL Cup | Scottish Premiership | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012–13 | 154 | 75 | 25 | 15 | 30 | 299 |
| 2013–14 | 154 | 75 | 25 | 15 | 30 | 299 |
| 2014–15 | 154 | 75 | 25 | 15 | 30 | 299 |
| 2015–16 | 168 | 112 | 25 | 15 | 30 | 350 |
| 2016–17 | 168 | 112 | 25 | 15 | 30 | 350 |
| 2017–18 | 168 | 112 | 25 | 15 | 30 | 350 |
| 2018–19 | 200 | 138 | 25 | 15 | 48 | 426 |
| 2019–20 | 200 | 138 | 25 | 15 | 48 | 426 |
| 2020–21 | 200 | 138 | 25 | 15 | 48 | 426 |
| 2021–22 | 200 | 138 | 25 | 15 | 48 | 426 |
| 2022–23 | 200 | 138 | 25 | 15 | 48 | 426 |
| 2023–24 | 200 | 138 | 25 | 15 | 48 | 426 |
| 2024–25 | 200 | 1000 | 25 | 15 | 48 | 1,288 |
