OXFORD United fans could consider boycotting games in the restructured EFL Trophy after the full details were announced yesterday, according to the chairman of the club’s supporters’ trust.

A majority of clubs – including the U’s – approved the plans at the English Football League’s AGM last month, which have now been confirmed.

They include the introduction of 16 Category One academy sides, which will see the competition, formerly the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, begin with groups of four teams.

It has been unpopular with many fans, who see it as the first step towards entering Premier League B teams into the league pyramid – something United and supporters’ trust OxVox have stressed they would oppose.

There have been suggestions from some trusts across Leagues One and Two to encourage fans to vote with their feet and avoid the games.

But while Jeremy Faulkner acknowledged it could happen, the OxVox chairman felt it was best to leave it to a personal preference.

He said: “The OxVox view and that of many of our members, is, although a boycott is an option, it will be very much an individual's choice whether or not they do, or do not, attend a match involving Oxford United.”

The U’s say they backed the plans as a one-season pilot to rejuvenate a competition which has always struggled for prestige.

Clubs will benefit from an increased prize fund, receiving £10,000 for each victory and £5,000 for a draw.

The invited sides will also donate their 45 per cent of gate receipts in the group stage to a central pot, which will be shared equally between the clubs in Leagues One and Two.

One of the EFL’s justifications for the changes is to assist youth development.

Shaun Harvey, the EFL’s chief executive, said: “This will help us deliver more and better home grown players which will deliver benefits to the national team and domestic league football at all levels.”

But the initial plans of having under 21 teams enter appeared to be undermined yesterday, when the details showed invited clubs only had to include six players aged 21 or below in their starting line-ups.

Further problems could be on the horizon after it was reported last night Manchester United had declined the invitation to be involved.

While some OxVox members may not turn up, Faulkner intends to gauge the impact of the new competition with interest.

He said: “We feel the important thing is to closely watch how the new format unfolds and spend the year lobbying hard to ensure that if it proves to be not in the interests of league clubs, that at the next League AGM, it is voted out and not repeated.

“We will of course vehemently oppose any B team proposals should they ever be made.

“We know that Oxford United are of the same view on this.”