FFA approved the format of the next Premier League season: what will change
- Author: Vahe Hakobyan
- Sportaran
On June 30, a regular meeting of the Executive Committee of the Football Federation of Armenia was held. The format of the next Premier League season was discussed, along with a number of important decisions.
The Armenian Premier League will remain with 10 clubs
The main item on the agenda was the format of the 2025/2026 Armenian Premier League season. After consultations with clubs, it was decided: the tournament will again feature 10 teams, and the championship will be played in three rounds. This format will remain for the next three seasons as well — until 2029, there will be a maximum of 10 participants in the Premier League.
Thus, the following 10 clubs will participate in the 2025/26 Armenian championship:
Noah
Ararat-Armenia
Urartu
Pyunik
Alashkert
Van
Shirak
BKMA
Gandzasar
Ararat
However, the fate of "Van" remains unclear. It should be noted that this summer, the entire management and players of "Van" moved to "Alashkert".
FC Syunik will not be promoted to the Premier League
The situation with "Syunik" was discussed separately. According to sporting merit, the team from Kapan could have been promoted to the Premier League, but the club decided to remain in the First League. The reason is that their home stadium, Lernagorts, does not yet meet Premier League requirements, and "Syunik" does not wish to play home matches outside of Kapan. As a result, "Gandzasar" will play in the Premier League instead of "Syunik", being the only club with the required license.
Changes to the foreign player limit
The Executive Committee also discussed the rule regarding the number of Armenian-trained players in the squad and on the field. The current limit will remain: at least 9 local players in the match squad, and at least three on the field at the same time. In the next three months, this rule will be discussed with the clubs again and may be revised for the 2026/27 season.
New regulations for agents and transfers
Another important decision is the approval of new versions of the FFA Regulations on Football Agents and on the Status and Transfers of Players, which will come into force in 2025.