English football fans may be in for an earlier start next season, as the EFL considers moving the campaign kickoff to late July.
With an increasingly crowded fixture list, league bosses are exploring ways to fit in League Cup matches without clashing with European competitions.
League Cup Could Lead the Way
One proposal being discussed is to open the season with League Cup fixtures on the first weekend of August.
If matches were scheduled for a Friday, this would effectively mean the season would start on July 31.
According to insiders, this is just one of several options being considered, with a final decision expected from the EFL board after extensive consultation with clubs.
International Break Adds Extra Pressure
Next September, a merged three-week international break is on the horizon, further complicating scheduling.
This could make it even harder to fit in League Cup ties before English teams dive into European competition, putting additional pressure on the EFL’s calendar planning.
Clubs Worry About Lost Opportunities
Some clubs have raised concerns that an earlier start could rob them of the chance to stage lucrative friendlies against elite opponents.
The Premier League is expected to kick off a week later than usual on August 21, meaning the late-July slot would have been ideal for exhibition matches.
How Past Seasons Managed Early Starts
Historically, Leagues One and Two have opened in early August, with the Championship following a week later.
In 2022, the EFL season started in July to accommodate the Qatar World Cup, showing that early starts aren’t unprecedented.
Next summer’s World Cup Final is set for July 19, adding another wrinkle to scheduling decisions.
League Cup Faces Fixture Crunch
The League Cup has struggled with scheduling challenges in recent years due to expanded competitions like the Champions League, Club World Cup, and the World Cup. Despite this, it remains a crucial revenue generator for EFL clubs.
This season, a preliminary round was needed because nine Premier League clubs were involved in European competitions.
Clubs participating in the Champions League or Europa League were deliberately kept apart in Round Three to avoid midweek clashes.
EFL Holds Its Cards Close
As of now, the EFL has declined to comment on the proposed schedule, leaving fans and clubs waiting to see whether the season will truly get an early jump next summer.