All change for the Carabao Cup
THE Carabao Cup is underway and a number of rule changes have been introduced that will directly impact on both holders City and United.
The Blues, who beat Arsenal 3-0 in last season’s final, and Reds both don’t enter until the third round stage.
Premier League clubs not competing in Europe will be in the second ound draw.
Games ending in a draw will go straight to penalties without extra-time this season.
“Withdrawing the additional 30 minutes of play would directly address any additional fatigue issues that are occasionally caused when the midweek ties go beyond the traditional 90-minute period,” the EFL said.
Seeding will be scrapped so big clubs can face each other from the second round. The move could see higherranking Championship clubs eliminated earlier than in previous seasons.
The ABBA system of penalty kicks that was trialled in the competition last season has been scrapped.
Perhaps most importantly, yellow cards picked up in the EFL Cup will no longer count towards suspensions in the Premier League. A player who accumulates five yellow cards receive a one-game ban in the top tier but this season cautions in the Carabao Cup will not contribute to a player’s total.
After its trial in the semi-final and final of the competition last year, VAR will be used at all Carabao Cup games.