"Teams who qualify for the league phase of the Women's Champions League will no longer participate in the League Cup, under new plans aimed at revamping the competition. The format change is deemed necessary to help ease scheduling issues and to protect player welfare. BBC Sport understands clubs voted in favour of the proposal to be introduced for the 2026-27 season, which still needs to be approved by the Football Association."
"Under the proposals for the League Cup, a Swiss style league format will replace the current group stage, meaning all teams are ranked in a single league table with fixtures being dictated by region. The knockout phase of the competition will remain the same, with the top eight teams in the league table qualifying for the quarterfinals. League Cup matches will be played on the same nights that Champions League matches are due to be scheduled."
Teams that qualify for the league phase of the Women's Champions League will be excluded from the League Cup beginning in the 2026-27 season to ease scheduling and protect player welfare. Clubs voted in favour of the proposal, which requires Football Association approval. The WSL will expand to 14 teams next year and the Champions League has expanded to 18 teams, increasing match loads. A Swiss-style league will replace the current group stage, ranking all teams in one table with regional fixtures; the top eight will reach the quarterfinals. League Cup matches will be scheduled on the same nights as Champions League fixtures. The proposal followed a WSL-led consultation including clubs and the Football Supporters' Association.
Read at www.bbc.com
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