Is the EFL Trophy a Lost Cause?

The EFL Trophy, now titled the Vertu Trophy, has been the heir to the English Football League since 1981. A tournament fixated around the third and fourth divisions of English football leaves traces of scepticism each season, with many fans inconclusive on the purpose of the competition. Despite a range of opinions, is the EFL Trophy beneficial to lower league football?

A Unique Format

Since the competition established 44 years ago, the way it has been played has altered numerous times. Currently, the format consists of 64 teams: the combined 48 teams competing in League One and League Two, with an additional 16 Category One Academy teams.

The lower league outfits will be regionally assigned into 16 different groups of four, with each group containing one of the Academy sides. Each team will then play each other once in the group stage, awarding a winning team with three points and one point for a draw. However an eccentric rule forces a tied game to go to an instant penalty shootout where the winning team will take home an extra point.

The leading two teams in each group will then progress further, where the competition follows suit of other tournaments, with five rounds of knockout football. This includes the final which is orchestrated at the promised land of Wembley Stadium.

Is it a Waste of Time?

It is fair to say that the EFL Trophy has not gained the approval of many fans across football. Some creative nicknames given to the competition demonstrate this objection, from the likes of ‘Mickey Mouse trophy’ to ‘tinpot’.

Such a pathetic tinpot trophy. You need to get rid of the U21 teams and bring back how it was before that it once was a competition that 48 teams in League 1 & League 2 have had a competition.

— Andrew Gwilt (@andrewgwilt089) July 12, 2019

On top of the outspoken nicknames, there has been a lot of complaints about the competition piling unnecessary fixtures onto the EFL clubs. Although most would opt away from a busier schedule, this tournament has the potential to grant a hefty bonus financially to the involved clubs. Each participant is awarded a generous £20,000 fee for competing, with that figure multiplying for every advanced round. The winner of the entire tournament receives a whopping £100,000 as well as the captivating opportunity to play under the arch of Wembley.

Alongside the financial benefits, the EFL Trophy is a playground for young prospects to showcase their talents and get a taste of men’s football – a fundamental reason for the addition of Category One Academies.

This Year’s Final

Following recent events, Birmingham’s narrow victory over Bradford and Peterborough’s penalty triumph tees up this season’s EFL Trophy final. The Blues will take on The Posh on Sunday 13th April at Wembley Stadium.

🗓️ April 13th @BCFC v @theposh

📍 @wembleystadium #EFL | #VertuTrophy pic.twitter.com/n4U8x4hbgs

— Vertu Trophy (@VertuTrophy) February 26, 2025

It will be back to back finals for Peterborough, after a Harrison Burrows brace dismantled Wycombe Wanderers to present Posh with the EFL Trophy in 2024. This year, Darren Ferguson’s men accomplished a remarkable second-half comeback in their semi-final clash versus Wrexham. A 91st minute Bradley Ihionvien equaliser took the tie to penalties where Wrexham were denied their Hollywood final.

It is Birmingham City’s first time in this competition since they won it back in 1995. The Blues will be looking to replicate this achievement to adjoin their spectacular form in the league. Birmingham sit nine points clear at the summit of League One, with desires of bouncing straight back up to the Championship under head coach Chris Davies.