The EFL has confirmed the new format for the 2016/17 EFL Trophy, which will included invited Premier League academy sides for the first time.
16 invited teams from Premier League academies will be included, a move which received mixed reception from League One and Two sides, in a new 64-team format.
A group stage will be introduced, with each group receiving an Academy team.
Format:
64 clubs:
16 invited teams from Premier League academies will be included, a move which received mixed reception from League One and Two sides, in a new 64-team format.
A group stage will be introduced, with each group receiving an Academy team.
Format:
64 clubs:
- All 48 clubs from League One and Two
- 16 invited Category One Academy teams
Player eligibility:
- League One and Two teams must include five 'first team' players in starting 11.
- Academy teams must include six under-21 players in starting 11.
Group Stage:
- 16 groups of four teams determined by regions.
- Group must include one Academy team.
- Clubs will play one game (home or away).
- Academy teams will play 'home' games at first team ground.
- 3 points for win, 1 point for draw.
- Drawn games go to penalties (winner gets additional 1 point).
- Top two teams progress to Round 2.
Knockout Stage:
- Round 2 (32 teams) - 1st placed team plays 2nd placed team of different group (vice-versa)
- Round 3 (16 teams) - standard knock-out match
- Round 4 (8 teams) - standard knock-out match
- Semi-finals and finals to be confirmed