The English Football League (EFL) has publicly criticized UEFA for what it describes as an "unwillingness to co-operate" regarding scheduling conflicts between the Carabao Cup and UEFA Champions League.
Teams participating in European competitions enter the Carabao Cup at the third round. The EFL had previously altered its draw to prevent these European-qualified teams from facing each other to avoid potential scheduling clashes. However, the league has been forced to make last-minute changes to several third-round ties, citing UEFA's inflexibility.
Notably, Wolverhampton Wanderers have had two matches adjusted due to the upheaval caused by the Champions League schedule, which was finalized just days before the EFL's planned fixture announcements. Everton has also been impacted, leading to the EFL's expressions of bemusement.
"Over recent seasons the League has made a number of changes to accommodate the expansion of UEFA Club competitions – a decision which was made without adequate consultation with domestic leagues," the EFL stated. "These changes have included splitting Carabao Cup Round Three ties across two weeks, and implementing draw conditions for Round Three which prevent scheduling conflicts for clubs playing in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.
"This makes UEFA’s unwillingness to co-operate all the more frustrating, not least for the supporters of the five impacted clubs, and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused."
Everton's third-round Carabao Cup match was initially scheduled for Wednesday, September 9. Liverpool's home fixture against Tottenham Hotspur was slated for the following Wednesday, September 16. However, due to Liverpool's UEFA Champions League fixture against Atletico Madrid on September 9, the EFL has rescheduled Everton's tie against Wolves to September 16. Liverpool's match against Tottenham has been moved to September 15.
This disruption also affects Wolves' Championship fixture against Portsmouth, which has been postponed from September 16 to October 20.
The EFL confirmed that the initial scheduling of Everton vs. Wolves for September 9 was done with local stakeholders. The subsequent announcement by UEFA of Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid for the same date created a conflict, as Everton and Liverpool cannot host home fixtures on the same evening.
According to the EFL, discussions with UEFA officials on Monday morning revealed UEFA's reluctance to reschedule the Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid fixture, citing potential impacts on traveling supporters. Consequently, the EFL stated it was "forced to make changes."