Scottish FA Cup
Region: Scotland
Teams: 44
Founded: 1874
The Scottish Football Association Cup is the leading cup competition in Scotland and, like the FA Cup, is a single elimination knock out competition contested by clubs of all standards. It is not unusual for rank outsiders to pull off upsets against top tier teams in this tournament, this adds to the popularity of the tournament for both football fans and punters.
Cup Format
A random draw decides which teams will meet each other, with the team drawn first for each tie handed a home ground advantage. In the case of a draw, the game is replayed but this time at the home stadium of the second team in the draw. If necessary, extra time and penalties will determine the outcome of the replay.
There are no replays in either the semi finals or the final and both fixtures are generally contested at the national stadium, Hampden Park, a neutral venue. Again, extra time and failing that, penalty shoot-outs, will decide the winner.
Eligibility
- 36 Scottish Football Association teams have direct entry to the first round
- 4 League winners of East of Scotland and South of Scotland Leagues are given the nod
- The latest additions to the Scottish FA Cup are up to four clubs from the Scottish Junior Football Association, the winners of the North Premier League, the West Premier League, the East Superleague and the Scottish Junior Cup
The champions of the Scottish FA Cup qualify for the following season’s UEFA Europa League tournament unless they have already qualified for a higher ranking tournament and then the European berth goes to the highest placed team in the SPL that hasn’t otherwise qualified for Europe.