Everton have been forced to reschedule their Carabao Cup third-round clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers at just nine days' notice, after a UEFA fixture conflict left the EFL with no alternative.

The match had originally been pencilled in for Wednesday, 9 September, but will now take place a week later, on 16 September.

Why the date had to change

The 9 September date was chosen to sidestep a scheduling conflict with Liverpool, whose Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur was earmarked for 16 September — a Sky Sports broadcast slot. Merseyside Police have a standing rule that prevents both Everton and Liverpool from hosting home matches on the same night.

With Wolverhampton Wanderers committed to Championship fixtures on 13 and 20 September, and Everton in Premier League action on 12 and 19 September, the EFL had moved the cup tie to the week before as the most workable solution.

However, when UEFA released its Champions League schedule on Saturday, it confirmed that Liverpool will open their European campaign at Anfield against Atletico Madrid — on 9 September. That made the original date impossible.

EFL's appeal rejected

The EFL asked UEFA to alter the Liverpool Champions League fixture, but European commitments take precedence over domestic cup competitions and the request was turned down.

The league body has since apologised for the late disruption, stating it was left with no option, and described UEFA's unwillingness to co-operate as