History of the FA Cup History of the FA Cup The history of the FA Cup in association football dates back to 1871–72. Aside from suspensions during the First and Second World Wars, the competition has been played every year since. On 20 July 1871, in the offices of "The Sportsman" newspaper, C. W. Alcock proposed to The Football Association committee that "it is desirable that a Challenge Cup should be established in connection with the Association for which all clubs belonging to the Association should be invited to compete". The other committee members were: The proposition was carried. The inaugural FA Cup tournament kicked
History of the FA Cup by film footage as it showed that the ball did not cross the line. The replay was held at Burnden Park, Bolton on 27 April, 1901, which Spurs won 3–1. In the 1915 final, Sheffield United beat Chelsea 3–0 at Old Trafford. The final became known as "The Khaki Cup Final" owing to the large number of uniformed soldiers in attendance. This year the FA Cup competition was controversial as the First World War had started, and concerns were raised about the appropriateness of football competition continuing in the midst of a world war. The Football Association however argued that