2 hours ago
4
The EFL is considering starting next season in July - with a round of League Cup fixtures.
Daily Mail Sport has learned that league bosses are mulling over a number of options amid an increasingly-pressurised calendar.
One is to kick off the campaign with the cup competition on the first weekend of August, which would mean if matches were to take place on Friday the season would effectively start on July 31.
Insiders say the proposal is one of a number currently being considered and that a decision will be made by the EFL board following extensive consultation with clubs.
The matter is further complicated by the fact that next September will feature a merged three-week international break, robbing more time to ensure League Cup ties are played before English sides enter European competitions.
Some clubs are known to harbour concerns that the proposed start date could rob them of the opportunity to stage money-spinning friendlies against elite opposition.
The EFL is weighing-up bringing the start of next season forward to July
The Premier League is expected to start a week later than usual on August 21 and the slot being considered would be prime to stage exhibition matches.
This season, Leagues One and Two kicked off on the weekend of August 1-3 with the Championship starting on 8-11 August.
In 2022, the EFL season started in July thanks to the staging of the Qatar World Cup in winter.
Next summer’s World Cup Final will be held on July 19.
The League Cup has faced increasing challenges thanks to the expansions of the Champions League, Club World Cup and World Cup. It remains a key revenue driver for EFL clubs.
This season, a preliminary round took place thanks to the fact nine Premier League clubs were in European competition.
And clubs who are in the Champions League or Europa League were kept apart in Round Three given that their European ties could be played on split midweeks, meaning it would be impossible to find a slot for a League Cup fixture.
The EFL declined to comment.
