The strict EFL Trophy squad selection rules Blackpool must follow ahead of group stage opener against Barrow

In a bid to ensure teams field strong line-ups in the tournament, the EFL have regulations in place to ensure that weakened teams cannot be fielded.

Here, we take a look at those rules – and others at play in the competition – and what they mean for the Seasiders:

What are the EFL Trophy squad selection rules?

EFL regulations state that each club must field their ‘Full Available Strength’ in and during all EFL Trophy matches.

In this competition, ‘Full Available Strength’ means that at least four players on the field at any one time must be what the EFL designate a ‘Qualifying Player’.

What is a ‘Qualifying Player’ in the EFL Trophy?

A player becomes a ‘Qualifying Player’ if they hit any one of the following conditions:

- The player started for Blackpool in the Carabao Cup against Stoke City

- The player goes on to start for Blackpool against Plymouth Argyle

- The player has made over 40 senior appearances during their entire career, not just at Blackpool

- The player is in the list of 10 players at Blackpool with the highest number of starting appearances in first-team fixtures in the same season

What happens if the EFL Trophy squad selection rules are broken?

If a club does not start with – or at any time during the game fails to have – four ‘Qualifying Players’ on the field, then they can be fined.

Fines can reach up to £5,000.

What happens if Blackpool draw with Barrow?

In more general EFL Trophy rules, it’s worth remembering the quirks of the competition.

In the group stages, if games are drawn then the fixture will go to penalties where teams will compete for a ‘bonus point’.

Otherwise, it is the standard three points for a win and one point for a draw – with nothing on offer for the beaten side.

What prize money could Blackpool earn from the EFL Trophy?

The prize money on offer in the EFL Trophy is a major incentive for many clubs.

Blackpool will have received £20,000 for entering the competition and could net a further £10,000 if they beat Barrow in 90 minutes.

£5,000 is on offer if a game is drawn.

The prize pot increases further as the competition draws on.