The EFL Trophy is getting a makeover which some are happy to see while others are up in arms with the inclusion of some Premier Leagues development teams (under 23) to had some spice to the competition. Not all the Premier League sides have accepted the offer to take part Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City all declining.
So what have we here! The bottom two divisions comprising of 48 teams join by 16 teams from the Premier League and Championship not Cardiff City, pity, kicks off tonight. The new format, which has seen the introduction of a group stage and something I have been calling for in all cup competitions for years no replays or extra time and if the game is level after 90minutes, penalties.
The main argument, for the inclusion of the development squads, is that the competition needed to change or face a possible extinction.
The competition has never been popular with the fans and I see little to change that even with it regionalised. However, those in charge claim the clubs will see financial benefits from the revamped Checkatrade Trophy. They expect a boost in the dwindling attendances with more prize money going to the clubs.
Prize money for the 2016/17 Checkatrade Trophy stands at £1.95 million - an increase of over 300% from 2015/16. Match earnings will be split between both sides, each taking 45 per cent, with the remaining 10 per cent going into a pool account.
The 16 invited clubs will also donate a proportion of their match earnings back into the prize pot. That amount will be 100 per cent in the group stages, 44 per cent in rounds two to four, and 33 per cent in the semi-finals and final. However, despite the benefit of these funds, if a team such as Chelsea were to win the competition then the winner’s prize money will be of no benefit to League One or Two sides.
Some fans plan to protest games. A Portsmouth supporter’s group plan to walk out of EFL Trophy matches shortly after kick-off in protest at the competition's new format. The Oxford Ultras fans group will not “be attending any of the EFL Trophy games this season and will be supporting the boycott” while urging all Oxford fans to do the same. They said,
“Fans need to send out a strong message that lower-league football matters and we will not be bribed and used as puppets to benefit the youngsters of the Premier League clubs, creating an even larger divide between the Premier League and the Football League.”
The final at Wembley could be between two development squads what will that do for lower-league football.
Another concern among supporters, is the Trophy is been used as a vehicle to introduce academy teams, or B teams, into the lower divisions a subject that doesn’t seem to go away. The introduction of new teams into the league would need the backing of 90 per cent of clubs and that is just not going to happen. The lower league matter to thousands of fans all over the country.
No comments:
Post a Comment