Definition
The 1966–67 FA Cup, officially the Football Association Challenge Cup for the 1966–67 season, was the 86th edition of the annual knockout football competition organized by the Football Association (FA) in England.
Overview
The tournament began in November 1966 with a field of approximately 375 clubs from across the English football league system, ranging from amateur sides to top‑division professional teams. Matches were contested as single‑leg ties, with replays scheduled if a match ended in a draw after normal time. The competition progressed through the first, second, and subsequent rounds, culminating in the final held on 20 May 1967 at Wembley Stadium, London. Tottenham Hotspur defeated Chelsea 2–1 after extra time to claim the trophy, marking Tottenham’s seventh FA Cup triumph.
Etymology/Origin
- FA Cup: An abbreviation of “Football Association Challenge Cup.” The competition was instituted by the Football Association in 1871–72 and is the world’s oldest national football tournament.
- 1966–67: Denotes the football season spanning the latter part of 1966 and the first half of 1967, consistent with the standard naming convention for English football seasons.
Characteristics
- Format: Single‑elimination (knockout) with replays for drawn matches; extra time and, where required, a second replay were employed before the eventual introduction of penalty shoot‑outs in later years.
- Participating Teams: Open to all clubs affiliated with the FA, including members of the Football League (First Division through Fourth Division) and qualifying non‑league clubs.
- Key Dates:
- First round proper: 2 January 1967
- Quarter‑finals: 23–24 March 1967
- Semi‑finals: 14–15 April 1967 (held at neutral venues)
- Final: 20 May 1967, Wembley Stadium, London
- Final Match Details:
- Attendance: 100,000 (official figure)
- Scorers: Jimmy Robertson (Tottenham, 56′), Frank Saul (Tottenham, 101′ in extra time) – Chelsea’s sole goal by Bobby Tambling (90′).
- Referee: Jack Taylor (London)
- Notable Events:
- Tottenham’s victory completed a domestic double, having also won the 1966–67 Football League Cup earlier in the season.
- The 1967 final was the first FA Cup final to be broadcast live in colour on British television.
Related Topics
- FA Cup (general competition)
- 1966–67 English football season
- Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
- Chelsea F.C.
- List of FA Cup finals
- Wembley Stadium (historical venue)
- Football Association (governing body)