The Football Association have decided that the FA Cup final will return to its customary position as the climax to the football season. It was decided at yesterday's fixtures working party meeting that the 2002-2003 final will take place on Saturday May 17, a week after the conclusion of the FA Premier League.
Speaking to www.theFA.com, FA spokesman Adrian Bevington confirmed: "The FA are delighted with the return to tradition after the final has spent two seasons on the penultimate weekend of the season. We have a firm commitment to ensure the FA Cup returns to its rightful place as the showpiece finale in the domestic calendar."
The competition proper will kick-off next season on November 16 and the third round, when FA Premier League and First Division teams enter, will also remain on the first weekend in January.
Filed by Shane Murray
