Stanley have said in a statement they are “bitterly disappointed” with the decision to scrap FA Cup replays.

It was announced on Thursday morning that a new agreement with the Premier League will run from next season, with no replays from the first round proper.

The agreement will run for at least six years and will also see all ties played on weekends. It has been introduced “in light of changes to the calendar driven by the expanded UEFA competitions”.

A statement on Stanley’s official website read: “Accrington Stanley are bitterly disappointed and wholeheartedly disapprove of the decision taken by the FA and the Premier League to change the format of the FA Cup and scrap replays from next season.

“The club was not consulted at any time leading up to the decision, and as far as can be ascertained, neither were all other clubs in the EFL and National League.

“The FA Cup, with its giant-killing history and the opportunity of raising much-needed income when the minnows match up with the Premier League giants, is the world's leading knockout competition, which has now been massively downgraded to pamper to the Premier League massive.

“The decision was not even relayed to the local FA Council representative, who was not lobbied on the changes until 15 minutes prior to its general release.

“The total lack of respect for the football pyramid and its fans for Premier League pieces of silver is there and plain for all to see. Football is for everyone and as such clubs and fans should not be subject to deals done in darkened alleyways between the FA and the Premier League.

“If a case for an independent regulator is required, look no further than the decision taken by the powerhouses in football to the FA Cup. Accrington Stanley condemn the decision wholeheartedly and request that the FA suspend the decision immediately and properly consult with the game's stakeholders.”