The League Cup, also known as the EFL Cup, is set to undergo two changes in the upcoming season. Firstly, there is good news for football fans as the competition will be returning to UK terrestrial television. Sky Sports recently announced that they would be broadcasting all 93 matches in the League Cup. Now, ITV has agreed in principle to show at least nine matches on free-to-air UK television, including two quarter-final ties, a semi-final, and the final. This is a significant development as Sky Sports had exclusive rights to cover the competition since their agreement with the BBC ended in the mid-2010s. It means that supporters will now have the opportunity to watch their favorite teams, such as Liverpool, for free in the competition.
However, amidst this positive news, there is also some controversy surrounding the second change planned for the League Cup. The third round of the competition will see Champions League teams unable to meet Europa League teams. This decision has been made due to scheduling issues caused by the expanded European competitions. The Telegraph reported this change in a way that made it seem like the top clubs were being seeded, which has led to some confusion and backlash.
It’s important to note that this change is not intended to create an uneven playing field or favor certain teams. Its primary purpose is to avoid fixture clashes with the premier European competitions. The League Cup’s third round is scheduled to take place across the midweeks of September 18 and 25. Coincidentally, matchday one of the Champions League is also set to take place in the midweek of September 18, while matchday one of the Europa League is scheduled for the week of September 25.
To prevent clashes, Champions League clubs will not be able to face Europa League clubs in the League Cup third round. However, they will still be able to draw teams from their respective competitions. While some controversy has arisen as a result of this change, it is essential to recognize that the situation highlights the broader problems facing football. The governing bodies are continually adding fixtures to the calendar without considering the impact on players and other competitions. This approach leads to player fatigue and neglects the interests of “non-elite” clubs in favor of lucrative Champions League fixtures.
In conclusion, the League Cup is set to make a welcome return to UK terrestrial television, allowing fans to watch matches for free. However, there is controversy surrounding the decision to prevent Champions League teams from meeting Europa League teams in the third round. While this change aims to avoid fixture clashes, it highlights the ongoing challenges of scheduling and prioritizing competitions in football. It is crucial for governing bodies to work together to create a more balanced and sustainable calendar that benefits all stakeholders involved.