Overview

• One option would shift the Carabao Cup first round to the first weekend of August, which could see the season effectively begin on Friday, July 31, 2026.
• The EFL board is discussing multiple scenarios and will consult clubs before any decision is made, according to the reports.
• The scheduling rethink is intended to avoid clashes with European fixtures once domestic play pauses for the extended international window.
• Some clubs are concerned an earlier cup schedule would cut into lucrative pre-season friendlies that help generate vital revenue.
• A separate idea being explored would add an eliminator round to expand the Championship play-offs to six teams, with proposals described as at an early stage.