National League Cup (England)

National League Cup (England) is a midweek cup competition jointly run by the National League and the Premier League, featuring National League first teams and U21 sides from Premier League 2. Regulations: the competition starts with a group stage of four groups of eight, with group fixtures played only between National League clubs and PL2 U21 teams, and the top two teams in each group progressing to the knockout stage. Points are awarded 3 for a win, 1 for a draw and 0 for a loss, and if a group match is level after 90 minutes a penalty shootout is held for an extra point. The knockout rounds are played as one-off ties, with the winner decided under the stage rules, including penalties, while the semi-finals provide for extra time and, if required, penalties. The competition does not grant direct UEFA qualification.