Premier League Clubs Set to Play in New Competition Next Season
Despite fixture list complaints, Premier League clubs are set to participate in a new midweek competition next season. The top-flight season will kick off on Friday, August 16, when Manchester United host Fulham. The English Football League (EFL) will start the weekend prior, with teams from the Championship, League One, and League Two beginning their new campaigns.
The Premier League logo
The fixture congestion has already sparked fury among Premier League bosses. The EFL teams will have 46 gameweeks to contend with before the final day on May 3, 2025, while Premier League outfits will have 38 gameweeks to fit in before they finish up on May 25, 2025.
“The move was first mooted back in April after the decision to axe FA Cup replays and was called ‘ridiculous’ by fans.” - The Non-League Paper
Teams from the Premier League and EFL can already meet in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. Additionally, teams in League One and League Two get the chance to face the top-flight’s academy sides in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, also known as the Football League Trophy. This has been the case since 2016, when Category 1 Premier League academy sides were first given the green light to participate.
However, the new competition will give Premier League U21 sides an opportunity to get experience playing senior men’s football against non-league opposition. The move was first proposed back in April after the decision to axe FA Cup replays and was met with criticism from fans.
Non-league football action
The new competition will see 16 National League teams play 16 Prem academy teams in a similar style to the Bristol Street Motors Trophy. The matches are also due to be streamed on National League TV. There are planned to be four regional groups containing eight teams, and it is set to start in November.
As a football fan, I’m excited to see how this new competition will shape up. The opportunity for Premier League U21 sides to gain experience playing against senior men’s teams can only be beneficial for their development. However, I do have concerns about the fixture congestion and the potential impact it may have on the teams involved.
Football action
What do you think about this new competition? Do you think it’s a good idea, or do you have concerns about the fixture congestion? Let us know in the comments!
