League Cup row as European clubs kept apart in third round, fans call competition unfair | OneFootball

A row has erupted over the League Cup after the EFL announced European clubs will be kept apart in the third round, a move aimed at easing scheduling clashes. Supporters have questioned the fairness of the change.

Premier League sides not in Europe entered in the second round on Tuesday, but the debate centred on matters off the pitch. Programming details for the third round shared on the competition’s social channels split opinion.

The third round is set for the weeks of 7 September, alongside the Champions League openers, and 14 September for the Europa League start. With UEFA fixtures fixed, the League Cup has adjusted to avoid European clubs meeting in those weeks.

Critics say the approach benefits bigger sides by handing them, on paper, softer ties. Eight clubs are affected, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Sunderland. Brighton, who begin their Europa Conference League campaign in October, are not affected.

Some fans said the competition was skewed, others argued those clubs should face each other immediately or be left out in a reform. The third round draw is due on Wednesday at around 23:15 French time.

Source: L'Équipe

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