Blackpool fans asked to vote on Checkatrade Trophy

Football League clubs from League One and Two recently met to formally discuss the future direction of the competition for the next two seasons.

The purpose of the meeting was to assist the EFL in shaping a formal proposal for clubs to have a final vote on in May.

During the meeting, EFL chief Executive Shaun Harvey presented a number of options and considerations for the members to deliberate, including:

- Addressing the concerns around the full-strength team policy by improving the eligibility criteria for EFL teams. Goalkeepers will not count towards the full-strength quota and only four qualifying outfield players will need to be named on team sheets. A qualifying outfield player would be considered as any player who meets the same full strength criteria as 2016/17, is on loan from a Premier League or Category 1 club or has made 40 first team appearances (if this criteria was applied in 2016/17 only two fines would have been levied);

- Significant increase in prize money;

- Regionalisation until the quarter-final stage (improved from 2nd Round in 2016/17) to minimise travel for clubs and fans;

- Flexibility of fixture dates to allow teams to schedule games outside of international weeks.

As a result of the discussion and subsequent debate, clubs have now be asked to vote on the following:

1) A revised format including 16 invited teams;

2) A return to the previous 48-team competition, exclusive to League One and Two;

3) Remove the competition from the fixture calendar.

To vote, click here.