Carabao Cup 2025-26 Introduces Preliminary Round to Ease Fixture Congestion
The Carabao Cup is set to undergo a structural change for the 2025-26 season with the introduction of a preliminary round. This adjustment, announced by the English Football League (EFL), aims to accommodate the record number of nine Premier League clubs participating in European competitions. The change is designed to minimize scheduling conflicts, particularly during the early months of the season.
The preliminary round will involve four lower-tier clubs: Barnet and Oldham Athletic, who earned promotion from the National League, and Accrington Stanley and Newport County, who finished at the bottom of League Two last season. These matches will be organized by region, and the winners will advance to the first round of the Carabao Cup. Meanwhile, all Premier League teams involved in European tournaments will be granted byes directly to the third round to reduce fixture overload.
This decision has sparked backlash from fans, many of whom believe it unfairly burdens lower-league teams to benefit elite clubs. Critics argue that top-flight teams, often seen as treating the Carabao Cup as a lower priority, are being given undue privilege, while smaller clubs are forced to compete earlier and play more matches. The change is viewed by some as favoring commercial and elite interests at the expense of grassroots competition.
The preliminary round is scheduled for the week of August 4, 2024, with the first full round of the tournament beginning a week later. The draw for the first round will take place on June 26. Newcastle United enters the new season as the defending champions, having secured a 2-1 victory over Liverpool in last season’s final. The competition now enters a new phase that could alter how clubs and fans approach the domestic cup calendar.
From:News
The Most Popular
-
June 13th COSAFA Cup - South Africa VS Comoros Prediction -
June 12th Brazil Serie A - Bragantino VS Bahia Prediction -
June 11th Spanish La Liga 2 - Real Oviedo VS Almeria Prediction -
June 11th La Liga Promotion Playoffs Real Oviedo vs Almeria Prediction -
Prediction: June 12th Brazilian Serie A Bragantino vs Bahia -
June 13th Toulon Tournament - Denmark U20 VS Saudi Arabia U23 Prediction
