CARABAO CUP organisers have been mocked after controversially drafting in Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell to take part in the quarter-final draw on Twitter.
The EFL claim the pundits and A Question of Sport stars are part of “British sporting royalty”.
But using former England Test spinner Tufnell and Red Rose’s World Cup-winning scrum-half Dawson – rather than footballing figures – is just the latest controversy over this year’s draws.
The most eyebrow-raising decision, saw the third-round draw take place at 4.15am British time in Beijing, China.
Putting such focus on the Asian footballing market underlined worries about a cup competition where many clubs, not just Premier League giants, regularly rest their best players.
Earlier mishaps include former Crystal Palace and England winger John Salako calling out a number of teams as playing away in the second round draw live on Sky Sports News when they should have been at home.
And Charlton Athletic had the unexpected distinction in the first round of playing both Exeter City and Cheltenham Town – at least according to a graphic listed by the EFL during the draw.
That broadcast, made in Bangkok on Facebook Live, was also marred by sound problems.
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The Mail report EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey as claiming organisers are thinking outside the (penalty?) box by including non-football sporting celebrities.
Harvey said: “The EFL prides itself on being innovative and not being afraid to try something new if we believe it has the potential to increase exposure and awareness of our competitions at home and abroad.
‘It’s the first time a major cup draw in the UK has been broadcast exclusively live on the social media network and presents us with a rare opportunity to engage with a global fan base alongside being able to continue the debate immediately after the ties are determined.”
Tufnell and Dawson have both actually expanded their own fanbase beyond sport.
The ex-cricketer won I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2003, while the former England rugby union star was runner-up in Strictly Come Dancing 11 years ago.
The Carabao Cup last-eight ties will be played in the week starting December 18.
David Butcher, managing director of Carabao Energy Drink UK, said: “In our first year as sponsor of the Carabao Cup, Carabao Energy Drink has been doing things differently.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone around the world to tune in and find out who their team will take on as we get to the final stages of the Carabao Cup.”
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