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In a nutshell, all rounds we now played on weekends; the fourth, fifth and quarter-finals 'weekends' won't have any Premier League games, nor will the final; there will be no replays from the first round proper; and the Premier League will increase funding to football pyramid.
The FA said the current format, which has no replays from the fifth round onwards, has been extended throughout the ‘competition proper’ in light of changes to the calendar driven by the expanded UEFA competitions.
The FA Cup can be money-spinning for the non-league sides who reach the proper rounds of the competition, especially forcing a replay against a higher-graded club.
They will now not have the chance to earn extra money (gate receipts and TV money), as well as the opportunity to play at stadiums they otherwise wouldn't.
The i Paper's Sam Cunningham said: "Money out of the pockets of smaller clubs and into the pockets of richer ones."
National World's Manchester United reporter Richard Fay said: "729 teams compete in the FA Cup, yet the future of it is being dictated by an elite minority with a selfish agenda.
"You can’t claim an ‘increased support for grassroots football’ when there are no replays from the first round onwards. A disgraceful decision."
Phil Annets, who runs the popular FA Cup Factfile account on X/Twitter, said the FA has "sold the soul of its own defined 'crown jewel' the FA Cup for the modern-day equivalent of 30 pieces of silver".
He said replays are an essential part of the FA Cup.
The agreement between the FA and Premier League, which is for a minimum of six years, starts next season. All rounds of the Emirates FA Cup will now be played on weekends, including the fifth round which has been played in midweek for the last five seasons.
The fourth and fifth rounds and the quarter-finals all will be exclusive of Premier League fixtures for the first time, and the fourth round will have an extended window from Friday to Wednesday to allow fans to watch consecutive days of Emirates FA Cup football.
Separately, the Premier League has increased funding to the football pyramid, providing up to an additional £33 million for grassroots football on top of the £100 million it currently gives to good causes each season.
The league will provide up to £133 million per season from the 2025-26 season, maintaining existing commitments and enhancing support to key areas of the game. The Premier League currently gives away £1.6 billion every three years – 16 per cent of its total revenues – to all levels of men’s and women’s football, and this new money will provide significant support to a range of areas as the game continues to grow.
Chief executive Mark Bullingham said: "The Emirates FA Cup is our biggest asset and generates over 60 per cent of our revenue to invest into the game, so it is critical to secure a strong format for the future.
"This new agreement between the FA and the Premier League strengthens the Emirates FA Cup and gives this very special tournament exclusive weekends in an increasingly busy calendar.
"The new schedule ensures the magic of the cup is protected and enhanced, while working for the whole of the English game. The longer summer period also allows a much-needed player break before the start of the next season.
"We have also agreed new funding for the grassroots game, disability football and the women’s and girls’ game. All football begins at the grassroots, and this is recognised by the Premier League with very welcome additional financial support."