The Football Association is poised to review the regulations governing the FA Youth Cup Final following a bitter dispute between Manchester City and Manchester United over the staging of this season's showpiece.
Current Rules and Controversy
Under existing rules, the team drawn first has the right to host the final. This year, Manchester City, as the home side, opted to move the fixture to the Joie Stadium, a 6,447-capacity venue typically used by their women's team, citing construction work at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester United had offered to stage the match at Old Trafford, which holds over 74,000 spectators, to provide the young players with a larger audience. However, City declined the offer, prompting outrage among United supporters and academy staff.
Fan and Club Reactions
The Manchester United Supporters' Trust and the club's fans' forum issued a joint statement condemning the decision as "a disgrace," noting that 67,000 fans attended United's last Youth Cup final. They argued that playing the game in front of a small crowd let down supporters and denied the players a memorable experience. Despite the backlash, the match proceeded at the Joie Stadium, where City secured a 2-1 victory.
Potential Rule Change
Daily Mail Sport understands that FA officials are now considering an amendment to prevent a repeat of this scenario. The proposed change would require that if the host club cannot stage the final at its main stadium, the fixture should be moved to the opponent's home ground. The FA's Professional Game Board will decide whether to implement this adjustment as part of the annual competition review.
Darren Fletcher's Criticism
After the match, United's Under-18s coach Darren Fletcher expressed his disappointment with the FA, criticising the location and the event's organisation. "It felt like a Man City competition for this whole build-up," he said. "That doesn't happen in cup finals." Despite his grievances, Fletcher acknowledged City's victory, stating, "The best team won."
