A major change will reportedly be made to the FA Cup after tournament bosses gained inspiration from the likes of Celtic and Aston Villa. The world’s oldest domestic competition is entering its 154th year and remains one of the most prestigious club trophies in world football. However, a shift in perception over the last few years has led to the FA Cup losing its prestige in some quarters.
The money on offer to clubs finishing in the Premier League’s top four often means they overlook the FA Cup, fielding weakened teams compared to league football. The scrapping of replays was also hugely unpopular, removing the chance for clubs in lower leagues to receive an extra financial windfall. Tournament chiefs are now looking to restore some prestige by introducing a unique pre-match anthem.
A bespoke FA Cup anthem will be created in a similar concept to the theme music that is now synonymous with the Champions League, according to The Times.
The report states that a company, which is part of Universal Music Group, has been commissioned to come up with a men’s FA Cup anthem and a separate one for the women’s competition.
It is hoped that such a move will improve the pre-match atmosphere at cup games and build recognition of the historic tournament, described in marketing speak as ‘sonic branding’.
Tournament bosses have reportedly noticed how Celtic and Aston Villa fans wildly cheered when the Champions League anthem was played upon their return to Europe’s biggest stage after long absences.
The new FA Cup anthem would be played before kick-off during player handshakes, from the early rounds of the competition through to the Wembley final.
However, it wouldn’t replace Abide With Me, the traditional hymn of the FA Cup, or the entrance music played at stadiums when the players emerge from the tunnel.
It’s claimed that domestic and global broadcast partners would be given access to the anthem, which would form part of their live coverage of matches.
The plan is for a British composer to write the FA Cup anthem, which is reportedly expected to have orchestral elements.
An insider is quoted as saying: “We’ve seen the impact music can have on the pre-match atmosphere. It takes a while to build recognition but we see it in a number of Champions League games and notably at Celtic Park and Villa Park in recent years.
“This is all part of our marketing plan for the FA Cups, keeping them fresh and modern but clearly linking to their wonderful heritage. Music and sport work well together, not least in the digital era, and we are hoping for an anthem that is loved by the fans.”
Anthems specific to individual competitions in sport are nothing new. Fans who attend Premier League matches will be familiar with the league’s official anthem, which is played at stadiums during the pre-match handshakes.
Meanwhile, the Formula One anthem composed by Brian Tyler has emerged as a huge success and is now synonymous with motorsport’s premier racing class.