Exeter City Supporters’ Trust Appeals for Fairer Revenue Share from FA Cup Match

The Exeter City Supporters’ Trust has been the owner of the club since 2003.

The Trust, which oversees the League One club, has reached out to Manchester City, requesting a larger share of the gate receipts from the FA Cup third-round match scheduled for Saturday. Current estimates suggest that Exeter could receive between £250,000 and £400,000 from the match at the Etihad Stadium.

According to FA Cup regulations, the gate revenue is divided, with 45% allocated to each team and the Football Association taking the remaining 10%. However, the Trust has formally written to the seven-time FA Cup champions, inquiring if they would consider voluntarily transferring a portion of their share of the matchday gate receipts.

In their statement, they emphasized that such a transfer would significantly benefit Exeter’s finances and serve as a compelling gesture of solidarity with sustainable, fan-owned football.

The scrapping of replays from the first round of the FA Cup has notably impacted clubs like Exeter, depriving them of additional revenue opportunities in the event of a draw. Last season, the Grecians were eliminated in the fourth round by Nottingham Forest after a penalty shootout, missing the chance for a lucrative replay following a 2-2 draw after extra time.

Exeter received substantial support in 2005 when they were a non-league club burdened by millions in debt. Manchester United generously allocated all gate receipts from their goalless draw at Old Trafford, which allowed the Premier League team to advance in a televised replay.

Chairman Pete Ferlie expressed to BBC Radio Devon the importance of raising awareness regarding how smaller clubs can be disadvantaged in the current FA Cup framework.

This season, the Trust has issued additional loans exceeding £600,000 after an overspend last year left the club in a precarious financial situation. Compounding their troubles, a fire in November inflicted over £100,000 in damage, resulting in the postponement of a League One match for safety reasons.

“Money is tight at the moment, but we have worked our way through that,” Ferlie stated. “Actions and plans are being implemented to stabilize the situation. While this extra revenue from the FA Cup is beneficial, we would appreciate a bit more to ensure a smoother summer ahead.”