WHAT HAPPENED?
The EFL has officially released the fixture schedule for the next season where they confirmed the continuation of the two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final. The EFL is reluctant to abandon the two-legged semi-final format, as doing so would pose a significant financial setback that they are unwilling to endure without an improved financial package in place that would compensate for their loss.
WHAT EFL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, TREVOR BIRCH, SAID
In a statement released by EFL, Trevor Birch said: “Whilst the fixture calendar remains a shared asset across the EFL, Premier League and Football Association, additional pressures from revamped European competitions means that scheduling across the season remains challenging and complex, so it requires a whole game response to find a solution.
“As it stands there is no agreement in place to make any changes to the Carabao Cup’s two-legged semi-final format, which continues to provide significant financial benefit to EFL Clubs.
“The League remains committed to a review of the calendar, but any significant changes cannot be made unilaterally, and would need to come with significant levels of compensation and be adopted as part of any new distribution deal with the Premier League and its Clubs.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Premier League clubs had expected the EFL to eliminate the two-legged semi-final along with the FA Cup replays in the third and fourth rounds for the upcoming season. The ultimate decision now rests with the FA, and the outcome will significantly impact the financial dynamics of the EFL, which expects fair compensation for the potential loss of revenue associated with the second semi-final.
WHAT NEXT?
After Chelsea outclassed Middlesbrough in the first semifinal of the EFL Cup, Liverpool will fight with Fulham to set up a date with the Blues in the final. The title decider will be played on February 25 at Wembley.
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