THE Carabao Cup is in danger of being killed off by proposed changes to the Champions League.
Premier League chief Richard Masters voiced his fear as Uefa try to increase the number of group stage games from six to ten.
Vincent Kompany lifted the Carabao Cup for Man City last seasonCredit: Reuters
That would put the EFL Cup in a vulnerable position in what is an already crowded fixture calendar.
Masters said: “In the end, there isn’t enough space.
“It’s not an absolute that if somehow the shape of the European competitions changes, the Carabao Cup is terminally damaged.
“There are some clever fixture people out there that may be able to slot the thing together. But I think it would fundamentally alter its trajectory.”
Although the Premier League has publicly opposed Uefa’s plans, some clubs support them — while Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has even called for the EFL Cup to be scrapped.
Uefa plan a revamped Champions League and new third tournament beneath the Europa League from 2024.
But the EFL will resist pressure to abolish or water down their flagship event and would almost certainly seek compensation if they are forced into a change.
It is understood there have been no talks about altering the format of the EFL Cup, such as letting clubs playing in Europe to enter even later than the third round.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
