What is carabao cup?

The Carabao Cup, officially known as the EFL Cup (English Football League Cup) for sponsorship reasons, is a major English football competition. It's open to all clubs within the English Football League (EFL), comprising the 92 teams in the Premier League and the three divisions below it.

Key aspects of the Carabao Cup:

  • Format: It is a knockout tournament. Matches are typically single-leg ties, with the exception of the semi-finals, which are two-legged.
  • History: First held in the 1960-61 season, its original purpose was to provide clubs with midweek fixtures and offer an additional opportunity for silverware.
  • Prize: The winners receive a trophy and automatic qualification for the UEFA Europa Conference League (subject to certain conditions).
  • Sponsorship: The competition has had various sponsors throughout its history, including Milk Marketing Board, Littlewoods, Coca-Cola, Worthington's, Carling, and now Carabao.
  • Significance: It is considered the third most important domestic trophy in English football, after the Premier League title and the FA Cup.
  • Past Winners: Liverpool has won the competition the most times.