Southampton require permission to wear yellow anniversary shirt for FA Cup semi-final

Southampton have worn the 1976 commemorative shirt throughout this year's tournament Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images Southampton require special permission from the Football Association (FA) to wear their yellow commemorative shirt for this season's FA Cup semi-final, as the jersey does not meet the tournament's kit rules. The south-coast side have been wearing a yellow strip throughout this season's tournament, to mark the 50th anniversary of their success in the competition in 1976. The shirt, predominantly yellow with blue trim, is inspired by the design Southampton wore in beating Manchester United 1-0 in the 1976 FA Cup final -- their only major trophy. For the semi-final stage onwards, clubs are required to wear a kit that is registered at the start of the season; for example, their designated home, away or third strip, which does not include Southampton's anniversary top. Clubs can, however, make special requests to wear a different kit in the semi-final or final and this would be considered by the FA. The governing body is thought to be understanding of the significance and open to finding a solution once the last-four draw has been made, but cannot offer guarantees due to a range of factors, including potential kit colour clashes. That could become an issue if Southampton are the designated 'away' side -- both semi-finals will be staged at the neutral Wembley stadium -- against Leeds United, who play West Ham United in Sunday's quarter-final. Southampton are hopeful that should they face either Manchester City or Chelsea in the last four, or if they are the are designated 'home' side, they will be granted permission to wear the kit. Tonda Eckert's side have won the commemorative top in each of their four victories in the tournament so far; against Doncaster Rovers, Leicester City, Fulham, and in Saturday's quarter-final victory over Arsenal. Southampton, who are playing in their first FA Cup semi-final since 2021, are aiming to reach their fifth final in the tournament and first since 2003, when they lost to Arsenal. Eckert's side stunned Arsenal in this year's last-eight thanks to a late Shea Charles strike in a 2-1 goal win, extending the Championship side's unbeaten run in all competitions to 15 matches. Eckert, 33, was appointed in November -- initially as interim boss to replace Will Still -- with the club 21st in the Championship, one place above the drop zone. The German, in his first senior coaching role, was permanently appointed in December. Southampton are currently seventh in the Championship, one point off the promotion play-offs, having played one game less.