League Cup
A cup competition for teams in a particular league.
A league cup or secondary cup is a cup competition for which entry is restricted only to teams in a particular league. The first national association football tournament called 'League Cup' was the Scottish League Cup in 1946–47. League cups are less prevalent than domestic cups.
Quick Facts
- Competition type
- Domestic Knockout Cup
- Total titles won
- 5
- Notable winning managers
- David Webb
- Gianfranco Zola (as player)
- Guus Hiddink
- José Mourinho
- Antonio Conte
- Record holder status
- Joint 2nd most successful club in history
Lore & Background
The creation of a league cup marked the difference from the domestic cup, which is generally open to teams from multiple leagues. The first national league treble was won by Shamrock Rovers of the Republic of Ireland in 1925. League cups were generally introduced after the Second World War, though in some countries they followed a rise in floodlit stadiums allowing midweek matches.
Reader's Guide
League cups often have group stages in the early rounds, sometimes opening the season before the main league begins. Examples include the EFL Cup in England (tiers 1–4) and the Scottish League Cup (first tier).
Did You Know?
- The first national league-only tournament was the League of Ireland Shield, first played in 1921.
- The Football League Cup in England was introduced in 1960.
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