Carlisle United's supporters' trust say they are "concerned" that the abolition of FA Cup replays appears to have been made without the prior knowledge of EFL clubs.

And CUOSC say the move represents a "backward step" for the famous competition.

The United supporters' group, who have a 10 per cent stake in the club's Holding company, have spoken out against the controversial plan, which was announced on Thursday.

The Football Association and Premier League revealed that FA Cup replays would be scrapped from the first round proper onwards.

CUOSC's statement said: "The CUOSC board were disappointed to read a press release earlier today stating that replays will not happen in the FA Cup as of next season.

"Replays are part of the very fabric of the greatest cup competition in the world and to remove them is a backwards step in our opinion.

"To also read that the EFL and its clubs had no prior knowledge of this decision is a concerning turn of events and one which is certainly not in the spirit of the beautiful game.

"We await with interest the response of the EFL and the wider game."

A number of senior figures at EFL clubs have claimed that there was no consultation about the changes.

And some clubs themselves have issued strong statements condemning the move.

One of the most critical was made by Tranmere Rovers, who said it was a "disgraceful decision".

"There was no consultation with Football League clubs, National League clubs or grassroots clubs to whom the competition represents not only their best opportunity to create life-long memories for supporters but also a hugely important source of income," they said.

"We also understand that FA Council members were not consulted about the changes."

The News & Star has approached Carlisle United - who have so far not commented as a club on the changes - to invite director John Nixon, who sits on the FA Council, to comment.

Tranmere added: "The decision, and the way it was taken, demonstrate a total lack of respect for the football pyramid and its fans.

"Football belongs to all of us and decisions should not be taken in back room deals in which only the very wealthiest clubs are allowed to participate.

"It is yet another eloquent example of the 19th-century governance that means that football simply cannot regulate itself and needs the Independent Football Regulator to have real teeth.

"We condemn the changes wholeheartedly and urge The FA to suspend them immediately until all stakeholders in the game are properly consulted."

Grimsby Town, another League Two club, also said to make such changes seemingly without wider consultation was "absolutely disgraceful".

They said it showed "scant regard" for those lower down the pyramid and urged the FA to "pause" the decision so that a "fair consultation" can be carried out.

The FA's statement on Thursday said the changes would "strengthen" the FA Cup.

They said the moves followed changes to the calendar thanks to the expansion of UEFA competitions.

Other changes will see all rounds of the FA Cup played on weekends, they added, including the fifth round which has been played in midweek for the last five seasons.