LONDON (Reuters) - The FA has abandoned the tradition of awarding a bottle of champagne to the winning team at the final of the FA Cup next month, in honor of the beliefs of players who do not drink.
"It takes into account players who do not drink alcohol for religious reasons or personal options, or who are not yet legal," he said in a statement on Wednesday, about a month before the final match between Manchester City and Watford on May 18.
According to the statement, the winning teams will be awarded a bottle but free of wine for their celebrations in the competitions of the Union starting this year's Cup final.
"The move is part of the merger and is aimed at respecting the privacy of players and communities that prohibit alcohol consumption, as well as players who have not reached the age of 18," he said.
The FA Cup is one of the oldest football tournaments in the world and was launched in 1871.