The FA have confirmed that FA Cup replays have been removed in both the third and fourth rounds of this season’s competition. Wolves were drawn against Sheffield United in the third round and the tie will be played at Molineux. Bruno Lage’s side will host the Championship club on Sunday, January 9 with the game kicking off at 14:00 GMT. But in the event of a draw at full-time, the game will go to extra-time and a penalty shootout if required, instead of a replay at Bramall Lane.
A statement reads: “We can today confirm that replays have been removed in both the third and fourth rounds of the 2021-22 Emirates FA Cup. This exceptional decision was approved by the FA Board on Friday 17 December and has been taken in the wider interest of English football to alleviate the possibility of fixture congestion following several postponements in recent days and continued uncertainty ahead due to COVID-19. Ties in the third and fourth rounds of this season’s competition will be played to a finish on the day, with extra-time and penalty shootouts if required. Replays will return up to and including the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup from the 2022-23 season onwards.”
