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League One and Two clubs vote in favour of retaining current format of the EFL Trophy
League One and Two clubs have voted in favour of keeping the EFL Trophy in its current format, although there are a few minor changes.
The EFL Trophy attracted a heavy amount of criticism for including Premier League and Championship Under-21 teams in a group stage format, which some felt was a gateway for them to be introduced into the domestic leagues in the not-too-distant future.
It led to heavy boycotting by fans in the vast majority of the matches, however the Wembley final between Coventry City and Oxford was well-attended.
EFL clubs have recently held an AGM to vote on the new structure of the competiton, but it will remain the same, barring a few minor changes.
Clubs were asked to vote on three options:
1. Retaining the current format with amendments
2. Reverting to a 48-team knock-out competition
3. Abandoning the Checkatrade Trophy altogether
Premier League Under-21 teams and a group stage format will remain, but the invited teams will now be required to play all three of their matches away from home, whereas last year they had one home match.
There will be regionalisation until the quarter-final stage now, which is a one-round increase from last year's regionalisation until round two.
The total competition fund has also been increased to £3 million.
EFL Chief Executive Shaun Harvey has, unsurprisingly, backed the decision.
Harvey said: “The history of the EFL Trophy is one of new ideas and innovation, but at its heart has always been the belief that this is an opportunity for League One and League Two clubs to taste cup success.
"I am therefore delighted to see the backing the Checkatrade Trophy has received from our clubs for the next two seasons, following a full and comprehensive review of this year’s pilot format.
“We wanted to ensure that League One and League Two Clubs had the opportunity to make the key decisions regarding where we take the competition in 2017/18 and beyond and I believe we have reached a revised format that benefits all parties.
“EFL clubs will have greater flexibility with regard to team selection, while still maintaining the principle that this is a first-team competition for our clubs that will support the development and progression of young players.
"The competition will also provide significant financial rewards for all EFL clubs, which increases with success.”
Swindon Town have not released how they voted.
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