Expanded UCL is set for a direct clash with EFL Cup semi-finals from next season

The Premier League’s top clubs could be forced to field youth-teams if they reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals next season due to a clash with European fixtures.

Mail Sport has learned that in a draft fixture list produced by the EFL there is a clash between the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals and the penultimate round of group matches in the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.

The EFL released the key dates in their 2024/25 schedule last week, with chief executive Trevor Birch making clear that two-legged Carabao Cup semi-finals would remain as they have yet to reach an agreement with the Premier League over increased funding for the lower divisions.

While the EFL did not publish the fixture list it is understood that the planned date for the second legs clashes with UEFA’s matchday seven in the expanded group stages of all their competitions, which will not be completed until the end of January next season.

The second round of the Carabao Cup also clashes with UEFA dates, although that is not an issue as Premier League clubs who have qualified for European competitions are given a bye to the third round.

With the Premier League and EFL also committed to having four and nine mid-week match-rounds respectively next season there is no other slot in the calendar, leading to fears that the Carabao Cup will be compromised with weakened teams being picked in the semi-finals.

Liverpool fielded a youth-team managed by then under 23 coach Neil Critchley in a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Aston Villa five years ago as their Club World Cup semi-final in Doha was scheduled to take place 24 hours later.

Ironically the biggest clubs have rarely been more committed to the Carabao Cup, with Liverpool