Champions League sides will not play in the Women’s League Cup from next season | OneFootball

Champions League sides will reportedly no longer feature in the Women’s League Cup as of next season.

The Guardian have reported that a WSL spokesperson has confirmed the news, amid concerns over the growing football calendar in the women’s game.

There will also be changes to the tournament’s format, which has undergone criticism in recent years.

Champions League clubs removed from the Women’s League Cup

It was originally reported in November that Champions League sides could be removed from the League Cup.

The Guardian have confirmed the news, which could have huge ramifications for the League Cup in future seasons.

If the rule had been in place this season, then finalists Chelsea and Manchester United, as well as Arsenal, would not have participated in the competition.

The Guardian also report the format will change to a Swiss-style league phase model with six matches per team, followed by a knockout phase. This is similar to that of the Women’s Champions League format, which came into place this season.

However, the proposed format is still awaiting FA board ratification before the move is made official.

Why are the changes being proposed?

The move to remove Champions League clubs aim to better to manage player load and welfare for clubs competing in Europe’s most prestigious competition.

This is due to a growing calendar with the WSL expanding to 14 teams next season. This means each team will play four additional league games next season.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are set to play in the inaugural Women’s Champions Cup next week, while the Club World Cup is to be introduced in January 2028.

The WSL has called for the Club World Cup to be moved to the summer.

Could the changes hurt the League Cup?

There are concerns the change could devalue the League Cup in the coming seasons, as the top three sides will no longer play in the competition.

The WSL has a ‘big four’, and the one side that does not qualify for the Champions League will be heavy favourites to win the League Cup.

However, there is also the argument that it will give other teams, such as Tottenham, Aston Villa, Brighton, or London City Lionesses, a greater chance to win silverware in the future.

This season could be the last chance for Chelsea to win the competition for a long time, as they perennially qualify for the Champions League.

Manchester United, meanwhile, sit fifth in the WSL standings and face a tough fight to qualify for next season’s Champions League.