New Regulations of the Armenian Football Championship 2025/26: Format, Registration, Discipline

The Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) has approved the new regulations for professional competitions for the 2025/26 season. The document covers all key aspects of organizing the Premier League and First League championships, including tournament structure, registration rules, foreign player limits, disciplinary regulations, and media responsibilities of clubs. Sportaran has thoroughly examined the document and highlighted the most important points.

Tournament Format: Premier League and First League
The Armenian Premier League will feature 10 teams playing in a three-round format. Each club will play 27 matches (home and away in the first two rounds, and one more round determined by a draw). The season will start in late July and finish in May.

The team finishing last will be relegated to the First League, and the First League winner will be promoted. If the winner does not meet licensing requirements, the next eligible team will be promoted.

The First League will include 16 teams and operate in a two-round format. It will feature both independent clubs and reserve teams of Premier League clubs. Reserve teams cannot be promoted.

Registration Rules and Foreign Player Limit
Premier League teams may register up to 23 players per match, with at least 9 being trained in Armenia. At least 3 such players must be on the field at all times. In the First League, the requirements are stricter: at least 15 local players in the squad and a minimum of 6 on the pitch.

A player is considered “trained in Armenia” if they were registered in an Armenian club for at least three years between the ages of 15 and 21. Violations result in technical losses.

New players may only be registered during designated transfer windows. A minimum of 18 registered players is required to participate in competitions.

Medical and Doping Control
Players must undergo comprehensive medical examinations before the season and in the second half. Data is uploaded to the FFA’s electronic system. Regular doping tests are also introduced: after matches, players are randomly selected to provide samples in a special room under official supervision.

Discipline and Fair Play
The FFA strengthens control over sporting ethics. Clubs are prohibited from engaging in match-fixing, influencing referees, or fielding unregistered players. Violations lead to technical losses, fines, or even disqualification.

The "Fair Play" score is evaluated by the match delegate on a 1-to-10 scale, based on the behavior of players, coaches, and fans. A fair play ranking is compiled at the end of the season.

VAR and Refereeing
From the 2025/26 season, VAR (Video Assistant Referee) will be permanently used in Premier League matches. It will apply in four key cases: goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity. Clubs must provide technical conditions for VAR implementation.

Prizes and Financial Conditions
The Armenian champion will receive a title, a special trophy, 10 million drams in prize money, and medals. First League and Armenian Cup winners also receive awards. Clubs must pay entry fees and have no debts to players or the FFA. A symbolic fee is charged for each additional registration during the season.

Media, Broadcasting, and Press Services
Each Premier League club must organize press conferences, flash interviews, and provide media zones. The regulation strictly defines press zone standards, branding, journalist access, and broadcasting procedures. Non-compliance may result in sanctions.