EFL chiefs want to stagger next season’s opening games across TWO weekends… in effort to boost exposure before the Premier League kicks off

The EFL wants to stagger the start of next season across two weekends, Mail Sport has learned.

In a bid to showcase the competition, officials have proposed kicking off Leagues One and Two on August 2 – with the Championship getting underway a week later.

An alternative that has also been offered up is for all clubs to start on August 2 – a full fortnight before the Premier League begins on August 16.

Clubs have been told that two clear weeks of EFL action before the top-flight gets underway would allow for maximum exposure. Splitting the start date would also allow for more spotlight across all divisions.

Other factors clubs have been asked to consider is the fact that an earlier start date would deliver more weekend matches – which generate higher revenues – and also more midweeks to cope with re-arranged fixtures.

The EFL’s executive have recommended the split start and have asked clubs to respond with their observations before the end of the month.