EFL supremo Rick Parry has discussed the future of the Carabao Cup with some fears from fans that an expanded Champions League could threaten the competition.
For Newcastle United, the competition has been a lifeline this season and could be the piece of silverware that ends the long wait since 1969 for a trophy. The former Premier League CEO says Newcastle have shown this season exactly what the tournament means to clubs.
Parry said: "Last year we had a record TV audience of four million for the Carabao Cup final. Attendances are up near record levels. If you ask the fans of Newcastle and Manchester United whether it matters, they would probably say it does."
READ MORE: Newcastle United's routes into Europe analysed - as EFL confirm Carabao Cup prize
Indeed, Newcastle have had a string of sell out crowds against Bournemouth, Leicester City and Southampton on their run to Wembley. But Parry does accept that changes could be around the corner in some shape or form.
The publication of the UK government's long-awaited white paper is due soon and it could involve tweaks to the calendar for the League Cup competition which has been running since 1960. The Champions League will be expanded from 2024 to make the fixture list even tighter in midweek.
Parry told the BBC: "Of course, we recognise there are challenges with the calendar. Are we prepared to have constructive dialogue, given those challenges?
"Yes, of course. We are prepared to consider pretty much every possibility. The calendar, development of young players and redistribution all need to be looked at together."
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