IRN BRU Cup Announcement

SPFL ANNOUNCES AN UPDATED FORMAT AND MORE PRIZE MONEY FOR 2017/18 IRN-BRU CUP

The 2017/18 IRN-BRU Cup will feature an improved format and increased prize money, in addition to two new participants, the SPFL has announced ahead of the First Round draw next week (Tuesday, 27 June). 

The revised format of the IRN-BRU Cup for the season ahead sees a reduction in the number of rounds from seven to six, with the competition kicking off in mid-August and leading up to the Final being played on Saturday 24 or Sunday 25 March, 2018.  

While like-for-like prize money comparisons with the 2016/17 IRN-BRU Cup are not possible, as this year’s format involves two additional clubs but one round fewer than last season, the overall amount available for prize money is up by 9%, from £308,000 to £335,200. 

In addition, clubs travelling overseas will each receive a £5,000 contribution to their travel costs per overseas game, which is a 25% increase on last season’s figure. 

As recently announced, Bray Wanderers and Sligo Rovers will join the 2017/18 IRN-BRU Cup along with the Northern Irish and Welsh teams (Crusaders, Linfield, The New Saints and Gap Connah’s Quay) at the Second Round stage. 

The 2017/18 IRN-BRU Cup First Round Draw takes place this coming Tuesday, 27 June at 1pm, streamed live on the SPFL Facebook page, with the 24 ties to be played on Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 August.  

SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster said: “Following the success of the new format of the IRNBRU Cup in its inaugural season, we have worked to further improve the competition for clubs and supporters. 

“By increasing prize money, removing one round and introducing more new teams to the competition, we believe this year’s IRN-BRU Cup will be stronger, more competitive and even more exciting. We look forward to the First Round Draw next Tuesday and wish all clubs the very best of luck.”
 

IRN-BRU CUP - SEASON 2017/18 - 56 team format

(including 2 from Northern Ireland, 2 from Wales and 2 from the Republic of Ireland)

FIRST ROUND                                                                                        Tuesday 15 or Wednesday 16 August 2017

(First Round draw will take place at 1pm on Tuesday 27 June 2017)

48 Clubs (24 ties)

•       10 clubs from Ladbrokes League 2 

•       10 clubs from Ladbrokes League 1

•       8 clubs from Ladbrokes Championship

•       4 clubs from the Scottish Highland Football League

•       4 clubs from the Scottish Lowland Football League

•       12 Colt teams from Ladbrokes Premiership

Regionalised Draw (unseeded)

North Draw (12 ties) 6 North Colt Teams / 4 Scottish Highland League Clubs / 14 SPFL Clubs

South Draw (12 ties) 6 South Colt Teams / 4 Scottish Lowland League Clubs / 14 SPFL Clubs

NORTH                                                                                                SOUTH

32 Clubs (16 ties)

•       2 clubs from Ladbrokes Championship 

Falkirk and Inverness Caledonian Thistle

•       2 clubs from Northern Ireland Football League – Crusaders and Linfield

2 clubs from 2 Welsh Premier League – Gap Connah’s Quay and The New Saints

2 clubs from 2 League of Ireland Premier Division – Bray Wanderers and Sligo Rovers             24 winners from First Round

Draw (pre-draw to determine which country will be allocated Pot A, Pot B & Pot C)

•       Pot A, Pot B or Pot C – 2 Northern Ireland Football League Clubs

Pot A, Pot B or Pot C – 2 Welsh Premier League Clubs

Pot A, Pot B or Pot C – 2 League of Ireland Premier Division Clubs

Pot D – 24 winners from First Round and 2 Ladbrokes Championship Clubs

•       To avoid NIFL teams playing each other (one home, one away)

•       One ball from Pot A, Pot B or Pot C v Pot D One ball from Pot D v Pot A, Pot B or Pot C

•       To avoid WPL teams playing each other (one home, one away)

•       One ball from Pot A, Pot B or Pot C v ball from Pot D

One ball from Pot D v ball from Pot A, Pot B or Pot C

•       To avoid LIPD teams playing each other (one home, one away)

•       One ball from Pot A, Pot B or Pot C v Pot D

One ball from Pot D v Pot A, Pot B or Pot C

•       Remaining 20 SPFL Clubs in Pot D drawn into 10 remaining ties

16 winners from the Second Round (8 ties)

QUARTER-FINALS                                                                                 Saturday 11 or Sunday 12 November 2017

8 winners from the Third Round (4 ties)

2 winners from the Semi-Finals (1 tie)