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Why is the FA Cup final before the end of the Premier League season?

This year is the first of a six-year deal during which the FA Cup final will take place on the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season.

In the Football Association's updated schedule, the final will be staged on the Saturday, with any planned Premier League fixtures moved to the Sunday.

The FA and Premier League had initially agreed for there to be no fixtures on the Friday before the final to allow focus to be on the build-up to the match.

This year, though, Chelsea v Manchester United and Aston Villa v Tottenham will take place then - because of the scheduling of the Women's FA Cup final and Europa League final.

The new schedule allows for all rounds to take place over a weekend, no replays, and third, fourth, fifth and quarter-final weekends exclusive of Premier League fixtures.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham believes it will enhance the competition.

"This new agreement between the FA and the Premier League strengthens the Emirates FA Cup and gives this very special tournament exclusive weekends in an increasingly busy calendar," he said.

The schedule means the EFL play-off finals can take place in their traditional slot at Wembley Stadium across the May Bank Holiday weekend.

The FA has also considered possible commitments for clubs in the finals of Uefa's competitions.

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When has the final taken place before the season ends?

The FA Cup final has traditionally taken place after the league season has ended.

However, there have been some occasions when the final has taken place before the Premier League has concluded.

In 2001, Arsenal and Liverpool played the final on 12 May to aid clubs in European football - and Liverpool won the Uefa Cup on 16 May.

The 2011 final took place on 14 May to avoid complications with the Champions League final, which was also being held at Wembley.

Wembley also hosted the Champions League final in 2013, so the FA Cup final had to be held on 11 May.

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