‘FA & Premier League Statement on changes to the FA Cup
from 2024-25 season onwards’

The Club joins with other Statements issued by Non-League and EFL League Clubs
in condemning the recent announcement by the FA and Premier League concerning
future arrangements for the world’s oldest and most prestigious football competition
the FA Cup. Details of the changes can be found on the FA website.
The reasoning behind the changes appears to be the easing of competitive matches
and fixture congestion for Premier League Clubs and the increase in EUFA
competitions. The decision to implement the changes was taken without any
consultation or communication to any Non-League or EFL Clubs or any other
interested parties like Football Fans and Supporters organisations. This
demonstrates a clear disregard and lack of respect for the whole football family
outside of the Premier League and other elite Governing Bodies. Further it also
demonstrates a lack of knowledge and respect for the whole football pyramid without
whose contribution to the develop of the game of football at all levels and
encompassing all football opportunities including the Women’s game and Disability
teams the very existence of elite football would not prevail.
The Premier League do not enter the competition until the 3 rd Round; there are very
few Clubs, at any level involved in UEFA competitions so where is the benefit to the
football family in curtailing what is not only an existing successful football
competition, but most importantly vital income stream for the lower echelons of
football.
The FA has stated in part of its defence of the proposal that the Premier League will
give up to £33 million extra for lower league football to add to the £100 million
already provided; a possible total of £133million. According to published information
the Premier League has spent £2.45 Billion on transfers during the current season.
Smoke and mirrors come to mind.
The FA Cup can be a vital source of additional income for Clubs and at Hastings in
2013 we experienced and benefitted from the present system with an FA Cup reply
against Harrogate Town with an attendance of over 4000 fans for the reply game.
The FA Cup run in that year’s competition provided a significant financial contribution
to the Club’s finances. This experience has been shared by many Non-League Clubs
over the years.
The FA should now pause the introduction of the new arrangements; undertake full
and proper consultation at all levels of the football pyramid and seek a suitable and
more appropriate financial package of compensation should any change in the
competition be introduced in the future.
Statement on behalf of Hastings United Football Club

We have partnered with the team at Hastings Beer & Music Festival to bring you an end of season celebration like no other!

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE DJs

FOOD OUTLETS

LAP OF HONOUR FROM THE TEAM

BUY HBMF MERCH

EXCLUSIVE HBMF DISCOUNT TICKETS ON THE DAY

SAT 20th April, 5pm – 10pm
@ The Pilot Bat

TICKETS:

FREE entry to those attending the game (Usual game day prices apply)

£5 after 5pm via ONLINE TICKET SELLER https://hbmf.onlineticketseller.com/

Introducing the first in our music line up for Saturday’s event…

ELLIOT CRAWFORD

Elliot will be dropping some absolute classics in House, Tech House and Party Anthems to get you dancing. He will be playing from 2pm, at half time and after the game.

INSTAGRAM / https://www.instagram.com/elliot_crawford/

If you love your 80s music, you are going to enjoy singing and dancing to PARADISE 80s DUO.

Join us at The Pilot Field as we watch Hastings United’s last home match against Enfield Town F.C. followed by a lap of honour and an evening of celebrations, music, dance and more!

“Awesome evening watching these guys! The best sing along 80s and 90s tracks… great performance and fun vibe! Had us all singing and dancing. If you love 80s music you’ll love Paradise 80s duo! Good vibes all round” – Kirsty Landridge

 🅣🅗🅔 🅕🅘🅝🅐🅛 

 Wed 8th May

 7:30pm KO

 Horsham FC 

 Sussex Transport, Sussex County FA Senior Cup

 The Amex, Village Way, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 9BL

 £12 Adult, £6 U18 / 65+

HIT THE LINK FOR TICKETS http://www.sussexfa.com/news/2024/apr/12/ticket-info-sussex-transport-senior-cup-final?fbclid=PAAaYjiRttaTK5UV-swSDZn22UyqzMOZunZ7Sfntz9WGtpQlJSHoFBO6a0r_w

#COYU 

#HUFCMatchday

#HUFC

HASTINGS UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB CLUB STATEMENT

This Statement introduces the Executive Summary of the BDR Civil and Structural Engineering Design Consultants Report on the South Stadium Stand.

The Report identifies the existing structure and details the type, method and other material components of the South Stand. An analysis of the Stand and current assessment of the structure and the designs and materials is detailed in the full Report, supported by photographic evidence, structural calculations and supporting documentation.

A copy of the full Report (110 pages) will be made available by e-mail following the conclusion of the Fans Forum meeting to be held on 29th April at 7pm in the Pilot Bar. The full Report has been shared with Hastings Borough Council and we look forward to their continued support of the Club and our plans for the redevelopment of the Pilot Field.

The Club commissioned the Report to ascertain if the South Stand would still be available for use for a period of time sufficient to allow the proposed re-development of the Pilot Field and thereby retaining the Pilot Field as the permanent home of Hastings United Football Club for the foreseeable future.

The Report conclusion indicates that subject to the implementation of some minor works, a further period of two playing seasons can be achieved at the Pilot Field terminating in May 2026. The one significant impact on the Club would be the need to reduce the existing capacity of the South Stand by excluding the use of the 3 upper seating steps.

A copy of the Executive Summary is available on request via e-mail. If you would like a copy please e-mail info@hastingsunited.com or via the HUFC website using the ‘Contact us’ tab under the Quick Links at the foot of the home page.

The Club considers that the recommendations within the Report to enable a further two seasons at the Pilot Field are acceptable and achievable and will enable the proposed re-development of the Stadium and provide a permanent and sustainable future for Hastings United Football Club

Issued on behalf of the Owners, Directors and Management Committee of Hastings United Football Club Ltd.