Exeter City Trust Appeals for Fairer Share of FA Cup Gate Receipts
The Exeter City Supporters' Trust, which owns the League One club, has urged Manchester City to allocate a larger share of the gate receipts from Saturday's FA Cup third-round match.
Exeter is projected to earn between £250,000 and £400,000 from the tie at the Etihad Stadium.
According to FA Cup regulations, gate revenue—after deducting certain hosting expenses—is divided, with 45% going to each team and the Football Association receiving 10%.
However, the trust has reached out to the seven-time FA Cup champions, asking if they would consider voluntarily transferring a portion of their share of the matchday receipts.
"This would significantly impact their finances and serve as a strong statement of support for sustainable, fan-owned football," the statement read.
Since last season, replays have been eliminated from the first round onward, denying clubs like Exeter the opportunity for a second payday in the event of a draw.
Last season, the Grecians were eliminated in the fourth round by Nottingham Forest after a penalty shootout, missing the chance for a lucrative replay at the City Ground after finishing 2-2 following extra time.
Exeter experienced a substantial boost in 2005 when they were a non-league club burdened with millions in debt; Manchester United donated all the gate receipts from their 0-0 third-round draw at Old Trafford, allowing the Premier League side to advance in a televised replay.
Chairman Pete Ferlie expressed to BBC Radio Devon, "We wanted to highlight how smaller clubs can be disadvantaged in the FA Cup now."
This season, the trust has secured additional loans exceeding £600,000 after an overspend last year left the club facing significant debts. In November, a fire caused over £100,000 in damages, resulting in the postponement of a League One game due to safety concerns.
"Funding is tight at the moment, but we are managing through it," Ferlie added. "We are implementing actions and plans to stabilize the situation. This extra revenue from the FA Cup is beneficial, but we hope for a bit more to ensure an easier summer ahead."