A third of fans would scrap the EFL Cup
It seems that dreams of domestic silverware are fading among football fans, with new research from Coral* showing that the majority of those questioned would rather see their team secure a Champions League spot with a top four Premier League finish than watch them lift a trophy at Wembley.
The survey of over 1,000 football fans saw 59% confirm that participation in Europe's leading club competition would now take precedence over success in either the FA Cup or EFL Cup.
Furthermore, when asked for their overall thoughts on the EFL Cup, 31% of fans said they would be willing to scrap the tournament altogether, with the increasing use of reserve teams and additional fixtures having a negative effect on fans' interest in the tournament.
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This is a trend seen particularly among younger supporters, with just under half (43%) of fans aged 18 – 44 eager to scrap the secondary cup, compared to just 22% of fans aged over 44.
The survey also found that with 88 out of 92 English clubs having now played at the new Wembley, the home of football may have lost some of its charm in the eyes of fans, with 38% happy to play the semi-finals and final of the FA Cup at neutral grounds other than the national stadium.
Coral’s David Stevens said:
Despite their rich history, the lack of enthusiasm displayed by some clubs for the domestic cups has seemingly passed onto their fans, whose loyalty has started to be tested, so much so that one third would be willing to scrap the League Cup altogether.
"Following Crystal Palace’s FA Cup success last season, and Grimsby Town’s ongoing underdog story in this season's EFL Cup, let’s hope the magic of the cup isn't lost forever just yet.
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Coral survey results
Would you rather see your team secure a top four finish or win the domestic cup?
Finish in the top four – 59%
Win the domestic cup – 41%
Should we ditch the League Cup?
No – 69%
Yes – 31%
Where would you like to see the semi-finals and final of the FA Cup held?
Continue to be held at Wembley – 47%
At a neutral ground – 38%
*1,002 people surveyed between 30th July – 4th August 2025
