Scottish FA Cup - How to Improve it?
As good as the Scottish FA Cup is, it does need improvement for everything, here's a list of what needs improving.
TV Coverage:
I think BBC Scotland and Premier Sports do a ok job on coverage but there can be changes to improve the coverage. First change i would do is have the Scottish FA Cup coverage on BBC moved from BBC Scotland / BBC One Scotland to all BBC One in all UK settings because it would improve the reputation, value and popularity of Scottish football. Back in the late 1960s and early 1970's Scottish Cup Finals were shown in highlights in Match of the Day on BBC One. Another BBC Change i would do is give the broadcasts over from Sportscene to Match of the Day and have the MOTD team broadcast it because it gives more opinions, fun and entertainment with MOTD than Sportscene.
Another Change is to have One Semi Final live on Premier Sports instead of two because it is greedy, selfish and money grabbing by them.
Draws:
I would keep the draws but use it from the opening round only and axe the draws from the second round to the semi final because that cause predictable matches and results, axing draws from the second round to the semi final will cause unpredictable matches, unpredictable results and and unpredictable tournaments. Draw rules would mean Premiership teams can't play each other in the opening rounds but can play at a later stage.
Replays:
One thing I do hate in football is replays of matches that has ended in draws, One thing I would do is axe replays and have the game end on the day either in extra time on in a penalty shootout. That way it will ease stress for teams, ease stress for players and less money to spends for fans who would attend the matches because Replays are a waste of time, money and effort.
Kickoff times:
With several games starting at various times in the day and at times where fans may not be there on site or not watching on TV, I would give standard kickoff times of 3.00pm and 8.00pm as sensible and wise for fans and broadcasters.
Schedule:
I think the schedule is ridiculous with it spaced out over 8 moths, it should be condensed and done in a shortened time like the World Cup or the Euros. 72 teams in 24 groups of 3 for the group stage. Here's my proposed plan for 2023 and beyond. The 16 best winning teams will advance to the round of 16.
April 10th (e.g)
Group X - X1 (Home) vs X2 (Away)
kickoff, 8.00pm
April 23rd (e.g)
Group X - X3 (Home) vs X1 (Away)
kickoff, 8.00pm
May 5th (e.g)
Group X - X2 (Home) vs X3 (Away)
kickoff, 8.00pm
May 8th
Round of 16 - 1
Kickoff, 3.00pm
Round of 16 - 2
Kickoff, 8.00pm
May 9th
Round of 16 - 3
Kickoff, 3.00pm
Round of 16 - 4
Kickoff, 8.00pm
May 10th
Round of 16 - 5
Kickoff, 3.00pm
Round of 16 - 6
Kickoff, 8.00pm
May 11th
Round of 16 - 7
Kickoff, 3.00pm
Round of 16 - 8
Kickoff, 8.00pm
May 13th
Quarter Final - 1
Kickoff, 3.00pm
Quarter Final - 2
Kickoff, 8.00pm
May 14th
Quarter Final - 3
Kickoff, 3.00pm
Quarter Final - 4
Kickoff, 8.00pm
May 16th
Semi Final - 1
Kickoff, 8.00pm
May 17th
Semi Final - 2
Kickoff, 8.00pm
May 20th
Scottish Cup Final
Kickoff, 7.30pm