A new format is set to be introduced to the Football League Trophy from next season, following a recent League conference.
The competition, to be re-branded as the EFL Trophy, will feature 64 clubs, up from 48, with the introduction of several Premier League academy teams, as part of a one-year trial.
A new group stage format will also be introduced, with 16 regional groups of four teams. The winners and runners-up of the groups will progress through to the knockout stages.
16 Category 1 Premier League academy and under-21 teams will be qualified to enter.
The final will be staged at Wembley in April 2017. The EFL say that full details will be announced 'in the next 14 days'.
Barnsley are the reigning champions in the competition, but will be unable to defend their title following their promotion to the Championship.
Premier League teams with Category One Academies: Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Stoke, Southampton, Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur, West Bromwich Albion, West Ham United.
Other teams with Category One Academies: Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Fulham, Norwich City, Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The competition, to be re-branded as the EFL Trophy, will feature 64 clubs, up from 48, with the introduction of several Premier League academy teams, as part of a one-year trial.
A new group stage format will also be introduced, with 16 regional groups of four teams. The winners and runners-up of the groups will progress through to the knockout stages.
16 Category 1 Premier League academy and under-21 teams will be qualified to enter.
The final will be staged at Wembley in April 2017. The EFL say that full details will be announced 'in the next 14 days'.
Barnsley are the reigning champions in the competition, but will be unable to defend their title following their promotion to the Championship.
Premier League teams with Category One Academies: Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Stoke, Southampton, Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur, West Bromwich Albion, West Ham United.
Other teams with Category One Academies: Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Fulham, Norwich City, Wolverhampton Wanderers.