Because the Prem apparently threatened to cut their trickle-down money.

I see the reasoning behind it, but it will mean less of a chance for smaller clubs to get to Wembley and win a cup, which was kind of the point of the old competition. It's just a shame for them if it's Norwich Youth v Villa Youth in the final. (I'd probably still go though, wouldn't I?).
I wonder if the desired effect of improving young English players will work too, but let's see how it pans out, I haven't seen any massive outcry from lower division clubs, so maybe they're not as anti as I might have expected.

Posted By: Garry Brooke, Jul 27, 10:51:05