The Carabao Cup is often cast into the shadow of English football’s other tournaments.
A fine addition for those who collect the cup, it’s discarded as meaningless or ‘Mickey Mouse’ by those who exit early. Amid concerns over the congested calendar, it’s even been suggested that it could be removed entirely. The global attention on the Premier League and Champions League mean its difficult to improve that status, but could radical changes help?
We’ve looked at three ideas that could increase interest in the League Cup.
Remove European clubs from the tournament
Those most concerned by the packed fixture schedule are the teams at the top of the table. It’s difficult to compete on all fronts and removing those in continental competition could have multiple benefits. Firstly, it will reduce the demands on players already in Europe.
Perhaps the most intriguing change, however, would be the avenue to silverware and Europe for clubs less accustomed to success. Of the last 22 domestic cup winners, 21 of those trophies have gone to Arsenal (4), Chelsea (2), Liverpool (3), Manchester City (8) and Manchester United (4).
Given the prize of European football on offer, it would also ensure a different winner each season, while the change could simultaneously reestablish the value of the FA Cup with less prizes on offer for the European sides.
CARABAO CUP SEMI-FINALISTS! 🤩🤩 pic.twitter.com/41jbjVo53F
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 18, 2024
Some may argue that the removal of European qualifiers could devalue the competition, while television rights holders will not want the money-making sides excluded. However, it could improve the prestige of the trophy for all but those in Europe.
Bring back the foreigner rule
Was the foreigner rule in European football back in the early nineties outdated? Yes. Could English football benefit from its reintroduction in a solitary competition. Absolutely.
Once upon a time, clubs were permitted to field just three foreign footballers when in UEFA competitions. Homegrown rules still apply for squad registration in the Premier League and Europe, though there are no restrictions when it comes to team selection.
Could a limitation on imports in the first XI add a new dynamic to the League Cup? Introducing a minimum number of homegrown players in each lineup could hand vital senior minutes to starlets whose opportunities are limited in other competitions.
Incentivise success
Currently, the winners of the Carabao Cup earn a place in the following season’s Europa League. Would the stakes, and attention, on the trophy increase if that was upgraded to Champions League qualification?
It’s a change that would almost certainly bring opposition from the Premier League’s elite, but the prospect of knockout round football with Champions League qualification on the line would excite.
The FA Cup could also be offered this prize, with that competition’s prestige having taken a tumble in recent years.
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See more – Is this season’s Carabao Cup one everyone wants to win?
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