The League Cup is at risk of being scrapped as part of the planned revamp of the women’s professional game.
The Guardian understands that the future of the League Cup is in doubt as the Women’s Professional Leagues Ltd (WPLL), the organisation responsible for the Women’s Super League and Championship, explores possible league expansion and reviews competition structures.
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In December the WPLL announced a new “multi-year” deal with Subway to become the official title sponsor of the League Cup, with the first Subway League Cup final held last Saturday in Derby. It is understood that the sponsorship agreement is for two years and that the WPLL has been extremely transparent with the company as it explores changes to the women’s professional game. The organisation took charge of the WSL and Championship from the Football Association last summer. Subway’s commitment is understood to be about supporting the growth of women’s football.
In addition, it is understood that there are numerous routes relating to league expansion and competition structure that are being looked at by the WPLL, which will consult clubs, the FA, fans and players on all options under consideration.
Chelsea secured their third League Cup title with a 2-1 win over Manchester City on Saturday. The competition was launched in 2011 alongside the launch of the WSL, with top tier clubs competing in the Women’s Premier League Cup before its launch. In 14 seasons only Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City have won the competition, with the Gunners picking up a record seven titles.
The format of the League Cup has been questioned in recent years. The group stage, which was introduced in 2016, is widely viewed as complicated, with teams split into regional groups and additional points available should a game end in a draw and go to penalties.
Meanwhile teams competing in the group stage of the Champions League enter the tournament at the quarter-final stage, playing only three games to reach the final.
The WPLL was contacted for comment.
