Guardiola says the scrapping of FA Cup replays is a blow for lower league teams

Pep Guardiola admitted that the scrapping of FA Cup replay is a 'blow' for lower league teams, as Premier League managers reacted to the announcement.

English football has been left in uproar after the FA and Premier League struck a deal to scrap replays.

The change will take effect from next season and comes in light of calendar changes forced by UEFA expanding European competitions.

Clubs down the football pyramid have expressed their frustration at the news, and Premier League bosses have been asked to give their verdicts ahead of their respective games this weekend.

Ahead of Man City's FA Cup semi-final tie with Chelsea on Sunday, Guardiola said: 'I think you know better than me why replays was created in this country, for lower divisions to have the opportunity to have the big clubs, good money for them. For that sense it's a problem, a big blow.

'For the big clubs playing in European competitions it's much better. We have less games, in our tight schedule there is a lot of games. To find the balance today in world football is the most difficult thing.

'I understand clubs in lower divisions can complain about that. If we have a game in the Etihad Stadium and we have to go to the Conference or League One, that game is so important for them.'

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag described the news as 'sad' for British football, but also claimed the changes were 'inevitable' due to the schedule of clubs competing in European competitions.

He said: It's very sad for the British football culture. But also it's inevitable. No one can do anything for it. It's due to the overload in the schedule.

'That's dictated by FIFA and UEFA and England is part of UEFA. We are a big competition, we have a big influence and impact on FIFA and