London, Jan 24 : Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has discovered a 128-year-old FA Cup law which could threaten the tournament.

Ferguson has found a law, which allows teams to avoid replays by immediately calling for extra time after a match, is drawn after the first 90 minutes.

The Red Devils boss dismissed claims that he was meddling with history as he argued: “It is in the articles of the Association that both teams can apply to have the game decided first time.”

“The criticism would be we are not adhering to the principles and spirit of the FA Cup, but why have the FA got it in there? It is their problem. We will investigate it,” he said.

Meanwhile, the FA did confirm the rule existed, but it could cause a major uproar as television rights are already negotiated before the start of the season.

An FA spokesman told The Sun: “This rule is aimed at the preliminary rounds to help teams with geographical distances.”

The FA confirmed the rule exists but TV companies will take legal action if anyone tries to make it happen.

Fergie’s bid to invoke the rule against Spurs failed because both clubs have to inform the FA within seven days of being drawn against each other. (ANI)