Football Association confirms 3G pitch use in FA Cup

The Football Association has confirmed that 3G pitches will be allowed in every round of the FA Cup from next season.

Current rules state that artificial surfaces may not be used after the first round proper, but English football's governing body have now made changes to help benefit clubs from across the spectrum.

"We're delighted that The FA Cup committee and the professional game board have approved this rule change, as recommended by The FA board," general secretary Alex Horne is quoted as saying by the FA's official website.

"Clubs are increasingly seeing the benefits of using 3G surfaces across the football pyramid and clubs who play on those surfaces can now retain home advantage in the competition."

The FA Cup is the oldest surviving cup competition in world football, having started in 1871.