The EFL Cup, or simply the League Cup, is an annual knockout association football competition in men's domestic English football. Organised by the English Football League, it is open to any club within the top four levels of the English football league system - 92 clubs in total - comprising the top level Premier League, and the three divisions of the English Football League's own league competition (Championship, League One and League Two). The women's game has its own League Cup, but it is organised by The Football Association
First held in 1960–61, it is one of the three top domestic football competitions in England, alongside the Premier League and FA Cup. It concludes in February, long before the other two, which end in May. It was introduced by the league as a response to the growing popularity of European football, and to also exert power over the FA. It also took advantage of the roll-out of floodlights, allowing the fixtures to be played as midweek evening games.
