Premier League academy teams will be allowed to play in the EFL Trophy in a one-season trial in 2016-17.

The competition will be extended to 64 teams, with sides from 16 of the 21 category one academies invited to join League One and League Two clubs.

In a change from the current knock-out format, there will be 16 regional groups of four for the opening round.

The proposals were approved at the English Football League's annual general meeting in Portugal this week.

Since the decision was announced Portsmouth, Accrington Stanley, AFC Wimbledon, Hartlepool United and Luton Town have released statements to confirm they voted against the trial.