‘How rigged is this’ fume fans as Carabao Cup draw labelled ‘absolute joke’ with horror new format

SHOCKED fans are blasting the new format of the Carabao Cup third-round draw as “the most rigged in history”.

Competition chiefs have sparked anger by deciding to ensure England’s six clubs competing in the Champions League and Europa League can’t yet be paired against each other.

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But many supporters reckon the process is now an “absolute joke” and “biased” in favour of big clubs.

Wednesday’s draw is being split into two parts.

The first section only includes the six Prem sides who are also in the Champions League and Europa League.

The other 26 teams come into it for the second part of the draw.

It all means top clubs are more likely to be paired at home.

The ties will now be spread out over two weeks – to avoid clashes with European games.

However, fans are horrified by the new approach.

One said: “The draw is biased and embarrassing. As a result of ensuring they can’t draw each other. All those teams should be away and allow the smaller teams a chance of a home giant-killing and important revenue.

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Another wrote: “How rigged is this #CarabaoCup draw? 4/6 of the big 6 just got drawn a home tie. Absolute joke.”

A third observer blasted: “Not even trying to hide that they’re rigging the draw , just put all the f***ing balls in and do it f***ing properly.”

In fact, “rigged” was the overwhelming verdict online – cropping up in a blitz of moaning messages.

One fan even called it “the most rigged cup draw I’ve ever seen!”

The competition’s website contains an explanation of the complex rules.

It reads: “Carabao Cup Round Three fixtures will take place W/C 16 & 23 September, with fixtures in the Champions League (W/C 16 September) and Europa League (W/C 23 September) also scheduled during this period.

“The additional dates required in the calendar for European competitions are as a result of an increased number of games for the 2024/25 season.

“To ensure there is no clash of fixture dates, conditions will be implemented during the Round Three draw to ensure a Club participating in the Champions League does not draw a Club participating in the Europa League, to enable the Round Three fixtures to take place in the alternate week.

“The Round Three draw consists of 32 Clubs – 25 winners from Round Two with the seven Premier League Clubs in UEFA competitions also entering in this round.

“The UEFA Conference League, a competition Chelsea FC could be participating in, is due to begin in October and therefore has no impact on the Carabao Cup Round Three draw.”

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk