ENGLISH Football League (EFL) bosses today announced it will trial the 'ABBA' penalty kick system in some of its competitions.

The new system will see teams take two penalties in a row, instead of the traditional one-at-a-time format.

In simple terms, 'Team A' takes one penalty, 'Team B' takes two and then 'Team A' takes two.

The new system has been backed by FIFA and will be trialled in Carabao Cup, Checkatrade Trophy and Sky Bet play-offs matches this season.

Shaun Harvey, EFL Chief Executive said: “We welcome innovation at the EFL and I am pleased to see that the EFL is able to play its part in an important development for football.

“IFAB have identified a theory that the current arrangements for penalty kicks potentially provide an unfair advantage to the team taking the first kick so we are keen to see if the new system has an impact on one of the most discussed issues in football.

“We all want football matches to be decided in a fair and consistent manner and I am sure the new system will add an interesting dynamic to the conclusion of matches in our competitions if required.”

The first round of Carabao Cup games begin on August 8 and 9.

Fans could be treated to the new system at Madejski Stadium if Royals' clash with Gillingham goes to a penalty shootout.