THE Carabao Cup is set for a huge rule change from next season.
But baffled fans have been left scratching their heads, with many asking: “How would that even work?”
The Carabao Cup, currently held by Manchester United, is seen by many clubs as an opportunity to rotate sides and give lesser squad players a run-out.
As the competition heats up, managers become enamoured by the idea of landing a trophy midway through the season.
And as the final rounds emerge, all the big stars are out on display.
However, there will be one less opportunity for top players to strut their stuff.
That’s because the Carabao Cup is set to scrap two-legged semi-finals from next season.
The Mail claims the EFL is finally ready to agree to the move in order to secure a £900million funding package from the Premier League.
Top-flight chiefs had long been eager to make the semi-finals just one leg to ease congestion.
But EFL counterparts wanted to keep the home and away ties due to finances, with the Carabao Cup making up a third of their domestic TV deal with Sky Sports.
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However, the broadcaster has now agreed a £935m deal with a clause preventing the EFL from being penalised financially for scrapping the two legs.
This money, plus the funding from the Premier League, has now pushed EFL chiefs to move to a single semi-final tie.
But the details are still to be ironed out, with the one-legged affair possibly taking place at a neutral stadium.
It’s reckoned Premier League clubs would also be more inclined to field strong XIs from the early stages of the Cup.
And it’s all part of English football’s plan to ease pressure on players, having already axed replays in the third and fourth rounds of the FA Cup.
Fans reacted to the news, with some left confused by the plan.
One said: “How would that even work?”
Another declared: “Anything to help the bigger clubs as always.”
Others thought it was a good idea, with one saying: “About time.”
Another added: “Good riddance.”