FA Cup to get Champions League-style anthem to keep it ‘fresh and modern’

The anthems would also be shared with broadcasters and would be part of domestic and global TV coverage of the tournament.

Uefa has anthems for the Champions League and Europa League which have become recognisable musical brands of the tournaments. The FA has noted the examples of Celtic and Aston Villa supporters cheering wildly when the Champions League anthem was played after the clubs returned to the top-tier European competition after long absences.

The Premier League also has its own anthem which is played during handshakes, while Formula 1’s official theme, written by the Hollywood composer Brian Tyler in 2018, and recorded with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, has been viewed as a huge success.

Some of the BBC’s theme music, often going back more than 50 years, has become closely identified with sports events, including tennis at Wimbledon, the London Marathon, the Grand National and Match of the Day.

The FA plans for a British composer to be appointed to write its cup anthems, which are also likely to have orchestral elements. An FA insider told The Times: “We’ve seen the impact music can have on the pre-match atmosphere. It takes a while to build recognition but we see it in a number of Champions League games and notably at Celtic Park and Villa Park in recent years.

“This is all part of our marketing plan for the FA Cups — keeping them fresh and modern but clearly linking to their wonderful heritage. Music and sport work well together, not least in the digital era, and we are hoping for an anthem that is loved by the fans.”

Supporters’ groups are likely to be consulted on sample music before a final decision is made.

An FA spokeswoman confirmed: “We are working on some musical ideas for the FA Cups and hope to update in the months ahead.”

A few other famous sporting themes

Match of the Day

The London Marathon

Wimbledon

Soul Limbo (BBC cricket)

Click here to read article