Why is the FA Cup final being played during the league season??

[He's here!]

My interest in pretty much all football apart from Hibs has diminished to the extent that I've perhaps not noticed this in recent seasons, but when did the FA Cup final stop bringing the curtain down on the domestic season?

When I was growing up this was probably my favourite fixture of the season, more so than the Scottish Cup final. There was an enormous sense of occasion about it and it felt in a way almost bigger (or at least on a par) with winning the title.

Sad to see it do diminished.

[The_Exile]

Didn't even realise it was on today, as you say, it's usually the very last game of the season. Assume something to do with Wembley not being available in a couple of weeks?

[Sylar]

It was after the season last year…we go to Leeds every year and it’s always the weekend the Scottish and FA Cup finals are played. This year seems anomalous.

[Irish_Steve]

My interest in pretty much all football apart from Hibs has diminished to the extent that I've perhaps not noticed this in recent seasons, but when did the FA Cup final stop bringing the curtain down on the domestic season?

When I was growing up this was probably my favourite fixture of the season, more so than the Scottish Cup final. There was an enormous sense of occasion about it and it felt in a way almost bigger (or at least on a par) with winning the title.

Sad to see it do diminished.

It was such an iconic event when I was growing up, mind you I remember it from 1970!

Filming started at breakfast, onto the team bus and into Wembley - an all day event. Was the only live football you got to see.

I'll be out on my bike when today's game is on

[He's here!]

Just spotted Palace won it. Great for them but definitely seems diminished by its afterthought scheduling.

[DH1875]

6 year deal between the FA and the Premier League apparently. Used to be a massive event but didn't even know it was today and who was in it until today.

[He's here!]

6 year deal between the FA and the Premier League apparently. Used to be a massive event but didn't even know it was today and who was in it until today.

So a kind of 'buy-out' from the Premier League to ensure they own the season finale?