Reading boss Steve Clarke says the FA have to be stronger
The game at the Madejski Stadium will go ahead next Monday despite both clubs having league fixtures 48 hours before the tie.
FA sources say the replay cannot be played on the Tuesday or Wednesday because of an agreement with UEFA that says no televised domestic fixtures can clash with Champions League games – Arsenal play Monaco on the Tuesday and Manchester City face Barcelona on the Wednesday.
The last time they ignored the ruling, when Liverpool played Everton in a Merseyside derby in March 2012, they were fined by UEFA, who also held back £1million in TV payments due to English clubs competing in Europe.
Bradford and Reading have asked their respective Saturday opponents, Notts County and Watford, if they will move the league games back to the Friday evening to allow their players more time to prepare for the cup tie. Both have refused.
An FA source said: “There is an agreement with UEFA, signed by all footballing bodies, that no televised domestic fixtures can clash with the Champions League.”
Bradford and Reading 0-0 in FA Cup
Reading manager Steve Clarke said: “The FA devalue their own competition. My question to the FA is why? I know that people are saying ‘UEFA, UEFA, UEFA’ but the FA have to be stronger. I find it strange they don’t protect their own showpiece competition.
“A quarter-final tie between a League One team and a Championship team is the romance of the FA Cup. It’s what the tournament is all about.”
Phil Parkinson, the Bradford manager, said: “It’s disrespectful to the FA Cup and the magnitude of this replay.
“For both teams, it is a huge prize and a chance to make history.
“To have to play it so soon after a league game is frustrating. You would hope common sense will prevail.”
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