2016–17 EFL Trophy
Barnsley were the reigning champions,[2] but were ineligible to defend their title following promotion to the Championship.[3] On 9 June 2016, the newly rebranded EFL announced that the 2016–17 EFL Trophy competition would include sixteen "category 1 Premier League academy sides" for the first time.[6] The opening rounds of fixtures were marked by record low attendances,[7] and the format changes were described as "a complete and utter failure".If scores were level after 90 minutes in rounds 2, 3 and 4, the game was determined via a penalty shoot-out.The sixteen remaining teams were drawn into eight ties as a "free draw."