Replay

In certain cup competitions, or in other exceptional circumstances, if a game ends tied at the end of the statutory 90 minutes, a replay between the same teams is set for a later date.

Why were replays invented?

Before the option of replays was introduced, teams would play on until either team had more goals than the other. Usually stopping and returning the next day.

In some cases, if the result was deemed a draw, both teams would advance in the competition.

Are replays still common in Soccer?

Nowadays replays are seldom used in soccer due to the introduction of the popular penalty shootout format.

However, they are still used to settle cup ties in some competitions such as the English FA Cup and Scottish Cup, but only in rounds before the semi-finals.

The semi-finals and finals of these competitions use a penalty shootout to decide the winner of the game.

What changes if a replay is required?

In the event of a replay being needed:

• The replay is played at the stadium of the away team from the original game, ensuring a fairer contest and the use of both teams’ stadiums.
• The result from the original game is reset and the replay starts at 0-0.
• If the replayed game is tied after 90 minutes then an additional 30 minutes extra time is added, followed by a penalty shootout where a winner is decided.