The controversial timing of tomorrow’s Carabao Cup third round draw has been explained further by the English Football League (EFL).

The draw is being made in China at the frankly ridiculous UK time of 4.15am – 11.15am in Beijing – which means the majority of fans will miss the draw being made.

That includes supporters of Norwich City, who ensured their place in the draw with a 4-1 win over Charlton at Carrow Road on Tuesday.

Round three features 16 ties, with the Premier League teams in European action entering the competition, to be played in the week commencing September 18.

The EFL have confirmed the draw will be unseeded, with the first ball drawn as the home club, followed by an away club – following a calamitous draw for the last round which created confusion over which teams were at home.

Regarding the draw, the EFL have released a statement, which says: “We understand that not everyone will agree on the timing of this week’s round three draw, but in staging in this way it will give the competition both the maximum exposure in the UK, Chinese and South East Asian markets.

“This is not only an important factor for the EFL but also our new sponsors Carabao, who, like ourselves, plan to use the growing global appeal of the competition to reach new audiences.

“Once the logistics have been completed in Beijing, the UK will be waking up and the breakfast media will be able to report and get reaction on the 16 ties that will take place next month, which we feel is an interesting move away from the usual post-game evening draws.

“The round three draw itself is not being televised live in China or anywhere else but the EFL will be providing full coverage across its Carabao Cup Twitter feed, with news and reaction as it happens.

“Our decision to go to China is part of a strategic plan to grow the EFL internationally and specifically boost profile and exposure in ASEAN markets. A number of potentially significant meetings are being held around the draw that we envisage will deliver a benefit to all 72 clubs of the EFL.

“As part of those meetings the EFL will stage its first summit in Asia, where potential sponsors and investors from the region will gather to be briefed on the wider opportunities the EFL can provide. This will include the showcasing of the new iFollow international streaming platform which successfully launched at the start of the season.

“We now look forward to this work developing over the course of the next few days and taking further shape in the coming weeks and months.”

Draw numbers will be made public tonight following the completion of the six remaining second round ties.

We will bring you news of who the Canaries will face at pinkun.com once full details are published on Thursday morning