The EFL have issued a statement confirming the Checkatrade Trophy as a first-team competition for member clubs following a request from Notts County for public clarification.
Magpies chief executive Jason Turner contacted the EFL directly after the club noted a number of supporters were of the belief that the recently revised competition was now for reserve sides.A report in the Northern Echo newspaper regarding the competition’s new disciplinary rules appeared to be a source of the confusion and, after a request from Notts, the EFL moved to clarify the issue last night.
Their statement said: 'Following consultation between the EFL and Premier League, the Football Association approved the proposed amendments to the discipline regulations last week which now sees the Checkatrade Trophy as a standalone first-team competition.'
Click here to read the full statement, which came shortly before an EFL spokesman circulated the following email to member clubs:
It has been brought to the EFL’s attention that a number of media outlets are reporting that the invited Category One teams, due to play their opening Checkatrade Trophy fixtures this week, will be Under 23 teams. This is not the case.
The eligibility criteria for the competition is as follows:
- EFL clubs (League One and League Two) – a minimum of five ‘first-team’ players in the starting 11 as defined under the competition’s existing rules
- Invited Category One clubs – six of the starting 11 to be under 21 (as of 30 June)
The Magpies commence their Northern Group F campaign with a home match against Hartlepool United on Wednesday (7.45pm). Click here for ticket details.