The FA Cup

The FA Cup trophy was first awarded in 1872, shortly after the formation of the Football Association. According to FA Cup history the inaugural event was a modest affair, with only 12 clubs competing for the title.

By the turn of the century the FA Cup had grown into the biggest and most popular domestic sports tournament in the country. Tens of thousands of fans turned out for the finals of the FA Cup, held at the historic Empire Stadium.

During the past two decades the FA Cup has been eclipsed somewhat by major European knockout tournaments like the UEFA Cup and Champions League. However, the tournament remains an enduring symbol of English sporting culture and is eagerly followed by football fans around the world.

Wembley Stadium has been the home of the FA Cup final since 1923. Located in London, this historic stadium is often referred to as 'the hallowed turf', and is one of the most recognisable structures in the city.

Wembley Stadium has been upgraded continuously since its official opening in 1924. The original Empire Stadium was refurbished several times during the 20th century before being demolished entirely to make way for the ultra-modern Wembley Stadium. The new stadium hosted its first FA Cup final in 2007.

The 2008 season proved once again that nothing can be taken for granted in the FA Cup, with the final contested by the unexpected pairing of Cardiff City and Portsmouth. This season may well herald a return to form of the biggest English clubs, who will be wary of sacrificing their FA Cup prospects in pursuit of success in Europe.

Chelsea were strong favourites for the FA Cup final, while Everton remained the underdogs that night. Everton caused quite a stir when Louis Saha scored the fastest goal in the history of the tournament in less than 30 seconds into the match!

Didier Drogba equalised for Chelsea during the first half, and Frank Lampard scored the winning goal to secure Chelsea's FA Cup victory and helped the team in keeping to their promise of winning the FA Cup trophy for coach Guus Hiddink.

Other FA Cup favourite teams for the next tournament:

Manchester United: Manchester United haven't gone for more than four consecutive years without lifting the FA Cup since 1983. With one of the strongest squads in world football, the Red Devils are always a force to be reckoned with in the tournament they have virtually made their own.

Manchester City: After years spent in the shadow of their more famous neighbours, Manchester City are emerging as a force to be reckoned with, and will be aiming at planting their flag on the summit of English football.

Check out the FA Cup Fixtures

Football fans across the world add to the excitement of the FA Cup by placing bets on FA Cup matches. Whether they place a punt to support their favourite clubs, or use their football expertise to bet on subtleties of the game, there is little doubt that the FA Cup is one of the biggest football betting events of the year!

Betting on the outright winner of the FA Cup is the most popular FA Cup betting option, allowing fans to cash in on excellent odds by attempting to predict the winner of the tournament. Always check the FA Cup betting odds regularly when betting on football matches.

Wanderers was required to play only one match to defend the FA Cup in 1973, the last year the challenge format was used in the FA Cup.

42 clubs have won the FA Cup during the tournament's history, making it one of the most open domestic sports tournaments in the world.

Manchester City 'keeper Bert Trautmann played the last 15 minutes of the 1953 FA Cup final against Birmingham City with a broken neck.