English League Cup rebranded

The English League Cup is to be named after financial services company Capital One in a new sponsorship deal with the Football Association.

The competition, founded in 1960, has been sponsored by various companies, including Coca-Cola, Worthington’s and Carling.

The Football League’s chief commercial officer Richard Heaselgrave hailed the new four-year naming deal for the tournament, which had been known as the Carling Cup since 2003.

“This is terrific news for clubs and a great way to conclude the season,” Heaselgrave said.

“The Capital One Cup is in great shape, having been re-invigorated in recent seasons by a number of memorable finals, some thrilling midweek cup football and a first glimpse of the stars of the future.”

The competition, considered less prestigious than the older FA Cup, is often used by English Premier League heavyweights as an opportunity to field inexperienced and fringe players.

Liverpool defeated Championship side Cardiff City in a penalty shootout at Wembley Stadium to win the 2011/12 tournament in February.

It was a record eighth victory in the competition for Liverpool, with five-time winners Aston Villa the second most successful League Cup team.