Barrow players have reportedly been offered a higher bonus to lose to Chelsea in their Carabao Cup fixture than to win.
In the Carabao Cup third round draw last month, League Two team Barrow was set to play away against Premier League powerhouse Chelsea. This upcoming match on September 24 will be only the second time these teams have met, with Chelsea having won their previous encounter in the 1948 FA Cup 5-0.
A recent report has uncovered that Barrow may have been offered a larger financial reward for losing the third-round match rather than for winning it. According to The Telegraph, Barrow players could receive £1,000 each if they lose, compared to just £250 if they win.
This revelation has sparked concerns about the fairness of the competition, suggesting that Barrow might have an undue financial incentive to lose. The EFL is reportedly displeased with the bonus arrangement, which does not technically violate any rules but is unprecedented in offering a higher reward for losing. Barrow has indicated that there are errors in the bonus details, which they are working to correct and have communicated to the EFL. All player bonuses are agreed upon before the season begins and submitted to the EFL for approval.
The EFL Cup bonus scheme reportedly awards each player £250 for rounds one through five. However, players receive a £1,000 bonus if they lose to a Premier League club in the third round or later. If the League Two team faces a Championship club and loses, players earn £750 instead of the smaller win bonus. Even if the team wins the entire competition, players would only receive an additional £1,000.
