Lebanese Championship
The Lebanese Championship, officially the Lebanese Premier League, is the top tier of football in Lebanon. Established in 1933, it features 12 teams vying for the title and spots in Asian club competitions. Amid Lebanon's turbulent socio-political landscape, the league embodies unwavering passion, turning every season into a gripping saga of resilience and rivalry.
History and foundation
Launched in 1933 by the Lebanese Football Association, the league evolved from cup formats in the 1930s to a structured competition by the 1950s. Al-Ansar holds a record 15 titles, closely followed by Al-Ahed with 10. A striking fact: matches persisted through the 1975–1990 civil war, underscoring football's role as a unifier. Post-war revival saw intense rivalries, with Nejmeh clinching the 2023 crown after a thrilling decider.
Tournament format
Running from September to May, the season comprises 22 round-robin matches. The top six advance to a championship playoff group stage, while teams 7–12 contest a relegation playoff. The champion and runner-up qualify for the AFC Champions League, third place for the AFC Cup. Recent reforms emphasize financial fair play to bolster competitiveness.
Interesting facts
Matches average 2.4 goals, favoring defensive tactics with counter-attacks. Top scorers include Samir Ghebeib (over 200 goals for Ansar) and Mohammed Zugheib (28-goal single-season record). Standout players: Karim Saderdine (Nejmeh's assist maestro), Hassan Maalouf (Al-Ahed keeper with 150+ clean sheets). Emerging stars like Abbas Hassan draw European interest, highlighting the league's talent pipeline.