SPFL revamp cup competition in new 'Champions League-style' format

The SPFL has announced a major revamp of the Challenge Cup, with the competition taking on a new format and new rules aimed at helping develop young talent.

The competition, which is open to clubs from below the Premiership, as well as “B” teams from some top-flight sides, will now be known as the KDM Evolution Trophy after a multi-year sponsorship deal was agreed with the construction firm.

Traditionally played as a straight knock-out cup competition, the new format will see most clubs play in an initial “League Phase” inspired by UEFA’s Champions League and other continental competitions.

The first round league phase will comprise ten League 1 clubs, ten League 2 clubs, and ten Premiership B-teams.

Clubs participating in the league phase of the competition will be split into three pots by division and regionalised into North and South sections, reducing travel costs for clubs and supporters across six league phase matchdays.

Points gained by clubs across six league phase matchdays will feed into a single league table, with the top 22 clubs qualifying for the seeded knock-out Round of 32.

William Hill Championship clubs will enter the competition from the Round of 32 as seeded clubs, alongside clubs finishing in the top six of the league phase, with the remainder of the competition following a traditional knock-out format

The new look comes with an increased prize pot, with £1.25m to be shared amongst the clubs, which is an increase of 50% on this year’s competition. The team that lifts the trophy will collect £150,000 as champions.

Tournament organisers also hope that the cup can help to aid the development of young talent, with players aged 15 and over now eligible to compete. The change comes as part of an initiative from the Scottish FA and SPFL to provide more opportunities for players in the key ‘transition phase’ of ages 16-21 as they look to progress from academy football to senior first team games.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “We’ve had long discussions with our member clubs and the Scottish FA about this new competition format and we’ve also introduced some key principles to reduce travel time and costs, particularly for William Hill League 1 and 2 clubs.

“We would lastly like to thank the SPFL Trust and the donors who support them, who have been fantastic supporters of this competition for the last four seasons.”

Ian Jones, chief executive of sponsors KDM Group, said: “We’re incredibly proud to support the launch of this exciting new football competition and to see the KDM Evolution Trophy come to life.

“The name reflects the evolution of our business, from a small shopfitting company to a leading international brand. It mirrors the journey of this tournament and the aspiring players it supports.

“Our investment in football spans all levels of the game, from grassroots to the professional stage. Through our KDM Group Soccer Centres, we provide primary-aged schoolgirls access to the game whilst having fun, helping to grow the game from the ground up. We’ve previously been the official partner of the Scottish Cup and are proud sponsors of the Scotland Women’s National Team & Dunfermline Athletic FC.

“This new tournament is another step forward, providing a platform for talent to grow and evolve, just as we have.”