Argentine league expands to 30 teams and suspends relegation

The landscape of soccer in Argentina is undergoing significant changes that include the elimination of relegation. Diario Olé also revealed the Argentine Football Association’s (AFA) plan to expand the Primera Division to 30 teams. Relegation will come back though, only in the future. This decision, finalized on October 17, reflects both structural and economic motives aimed at enhancing competition and increasing revenue streams.

TyC Sports adds that the AFA will introduce two annual tournaments, the Apertura and Clausura, starting in 2025. There, 30 teams will compete. For the first year, there will be no relegation at all. Instead, the emphasis will be on increasing competition among the enlarged group of teams. They will not reinstate relegation until 2025. When relegation resumes, two teams will drop. One comes from the annual table and the other uses the historical average points system.

The league will be split into two zones of 15 teams, and the tournament will consist of 16 rounds. Teams will play 14 matches within their respective zones, along with one interzonal match and a “classic” rivalry match. The season will culminate in a playoff format. The top teams from each zone will compete for the championship title in knockout rounds. The round of 16 will be held at the higher-seeded teams’ venues. Meanwhile, the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final will be played at neutral stadiums.

Economic and structural motivations behind expansion

The AFA outlined several reasons for the league’s expansion. First, they cited global examples, such as the 2026 World Cup’s expansion to 48 teams. They also emphasize that larger tournaments bring increased excitement and revenue. Additionally, the AFA stressed that Argentina is the world’s top exporter of players. Thus, a larger domestic league will provide more opportunities for player development.

The expansion would boost clubs’ economic health by increasing revenue from social…

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Author : Martina Alcheva

Publish date : 2024-10-18 16:49:20

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