The Premier League are set to win the race for international FA Cup TV rights

The Premier League are set to capture the international television rights for the FA Cup, with all of their rivals withdrawing from the bidding process ahead of Monday’s deadline.

Mail Sport has learned that international rights agencies IMG, Pitch International and Infront have opted not to submit a tender in what they regard as a sham auction, after discovering that the Premier League’s offer contains compensation for the abolition of FA Cup replays and additional funding for the grassroots game.

Infront have instructed lawyers after they were initially named as preferred bidders by the FA, who later chose to reopen the tender following a late offer from the Premier League. 

The top flight’s unopposed bid will give them control of the entire domestic calendar for 10 years from the 2024-25 season in a move which will lead to significant changes, including an end to FA Cup replays, early rounds taking place in midweek and the final being brought forward by a fortnight to the Saturday before the last weekend of the Premier League.

The FA’s willingness to cede control of their biggest competition for increased funding for the grassroots game has sparked a backlash from lower division clubs, who have accused them of effectively taking a Premier League bribe.

International television rights for the FA Cup are set to be handed out after Monday’s deadline

The Premier League are set to capture international television rights after rivals withdrew from the process