Making the change permanent– and be introducing it earlier – would be a controversial move.
But English clubs have long seen to be at a disadvantage over their European counterparts due to the intensity of the schedule, which some believe leads to greater risk of fatigue and injury.
News of a possible FA Cup revamp emerged on the same day the FA reacted to the storm over Premier League ticket prices by reducing the cost of attending the final by £5.
Tickets for the May 21 Wembley showpiece will start at £45, excluding concessions.
Semi-final tickets have also been reduced, reverting to 2014 prices, and begin at £30.
A statement from the FA read: “Following discussions led by chief executive Martin Glenn, the FA today confirms that ticket prices for the 2016 Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley have been reduced by £5 across all price points.
“In addition, tickets for this year’s semi-final matches revert back to 2014 prices.
“So far, this season’s competition has seen attendances close to two million and £13m distributed to clubs across the football pyramid.
“The FA is in a good financial position and lowering the cost of these showpiece matches is in recognition of the strong, continued commitment from fans supporting the world’s original cup competition.”
The semi-finals are scheduled to take place on April 23 and April 24.
The subject of ticket prices has been much debated in recent weeks.
Liverpool fans walked out of their draw with Sunderland earlier this month after 77 minutes, causing the club’s owners to change their plans for a £77 match ticket from next season.
The FA in January 2015 announced increased prices for the FA Cup finals in 2015 and 2016 after a prior four-year price freeze.
Prices for last May’s showpiece, when Arsenal beat Aston Villa 4-0, saw supporters pay either £50, £70, £90 or £120 for a ticket – a £5 increase on 2014 prices.
Tickets for the 2016 final had been due to cost even more, with prices last year set at £50, £75, £95 or £125.
But now the tickets for this season’s final have been reduced, with the cheapest ticket costing the same as in 2014.
- Telegraph