A domestic cup (also known as association cup or national cup) is a type of sports tournament, particularly common in association football. This tournament type is notable for its participation by professional and amateur teams from many levels of a country's league system. The structure of the competition varies but is usually a knockout format and is typically organized by the country's governing body for the sport (football association).[1][2] The oldest of such tournament was England's FA Cup, first played in 1871.[3]
Format
The format of domestic cups vary from country to country but they usually share many characteristics. The tournament is typically a knockout format where matchups can be played as a single match or a two-legged tie.[1] Teams may enter the tournament in different rounds depending on their league rank.[4] Lower ranked teams would enter in earlier rounds or in a qualifier for the main tournament. A domestic cup will be played over several months and runs concurrently with the league season. The winner of a domestic cup may qualify to a super cup or a continental competition.[5]
See also
References
- ^ a b Boillat, Camille; Poli, Raffaele (2014). "Governance models across football associations and leagues" (PDF). International Centre for Sports Studies. p. 62. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
- ^ "Who's won the treble? Bayern double up | UEFA Champions League". UEFA. 4 September 2020. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
- ^ Rostance, Tom (28 May 2015). "Step back to the first FA Cup final". BBC Sport. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
- ^ "The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup explained". 90min.com. 11 May 2022. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
- ^ "How is European soccer structured with leagues and cup competitions?". Bundesliga. Retrieved 8 April 2023.