Everton made the decision to pass on participation in the EFL Trophy next season due to fixture congestion.
David Unsworth helped guide the under-23s to the knockout stages of the competition for the first time last term where they were eventually beaten by League One club Fleetwood Town.
But the EFL today confirmed Everton would not be one of the category one academy clubs who accepted their invitation to the tournament for 2020-21.
The ECHO understands with group game dates largely falling around international breaks - and most of the u-23 squad representing their country at youth level - it would have been difficult to field a competitive team.
Sign up for the Liverpool ECHO daily Everton newsletter HERE
Everton would have been forced into fielding u-18s for the competition which - after careful consideration between both Unsworth and Marcel Brands - was felt would be detrimental to development when facing senior Football League opposition.
It is understood that Everton still value their invite to the EFL Trophy and are hoping to take part in future years providing the scheduling aligns.
Take our EFC transfer survey and let us know what you think the Blues need this summer HERE
