Faroe Islands Div 2

Links
Wikipedia

Wikipedia - 2. deild

2. deild is the third tier league of football in the Faroe Islands. It was founded in 1976 and is organized by the Faroe Islands Football Association. It was originally called 3. deild but became 2. deild after a reorganization of the Faroe Islands football league system in 2005.

History

The league was founded in 1943 and was named Meðaldeildin (The Middle Division): this was 1 year after the founding of the Meistaradeildin (The Champions Division), the original top level Faroe Islands football league. There was no automatic promotion and relegation system at the time, and the two leagues operated separately from each other. This was partly because Meðaldeildin was mostly made up of B teams from the clubs in the Meistaradeildin. In 1944 all leagues in the Faroe Islands had to be suspended due to a shortage of footballs, caused by World War II and the British occupation of the Faroe Islands. The league then resumed in 1945. From 1943 to 1975 it was called Meðaldeildin, then the league structure changed in 1976.

The Meistaradeildin was renamed 1. deild and the Meðaldeildin was renamed 2. deild. Also from that season onwards, the winner of 2. deild was promoted to 1. deild. The first club to be promoted was Fram Tórshavn after they won the division for the first time in their history, though they finished bottom of 1. deild the following season and were relegated back into 2. deild. The latest change to the league was made in 2005, when 1. deild was renamed as Formuladeildin for sponsorship reasons; 2. deild adopted the name of 1. deild; the third tier was renamed 2. deild and the fourth tier became 3. deild.

It currently has 10 participating teams. At the end of each season, two teams are relegated and two promoted from what is now the fourth tier, pending the fact that the winning team in any given division doesn't already have a team in the division it is being promoted to. In such cases the team that finished second will be promoted in its stead. If a team is relegated to a division where one of its teams are already playing, the second best team will move one division down, thereby saving another team from relegation.

At the end of the 2008 season, Fram, who were set to be renamed FC Hoyvík for the 2009 season and AB II finished in the promotion places. Fram (now FC Hoyvík) were promoted to 1. deild, while AB II would only be promoted if their 1st team finished in one of the promotion places in 1. deild. AB's first team eventually won promotion into the Vodafonedeildin, finishing runners-up in 1.Deild. However, AB II were denied promotion to 1. deild and MB Midvágur who finished 3rd in 2. deild, were promoted instead. Because AB II who finished 2nd, had used illegal players. Though there is still an ongoing debate whether they finished 2nd or 3rd and which team should have been promoted. The following season in 2009 MB Midvágur finished bottom in 1. deild, only picking up 8 points and were relegated back into 2. deild. Meanwhile AB Argir II won the 2. deild in 2009 and were promoted to 1. deild.

**Faroe Islands Division 2: Tournament Overview**

The Faroe Islands Division 2, also known as 1. deild, is the second tier of professional football in the Faroe Islands, showcasing the vibrant and competitive spirit of the nation’s football culture. This tournament serves as a crucial platform for clubs aspiring to ascend to the top tier, the Faroe Islands Premier League, while also providing a stage for emerging talent to shine.

**Format and Structure**

The tournament typically features a number of teams from across the islands, competing in a league format. Each team plays home and away matches against their rivals, accumulating points through wins and draws. The season usually runs from spring to autumn, allowing teams to battle it out in various weather conditions that the Faroe Islands are known for. The top teams at the end of the season earn promotion to the Premier League, while the lower-ranked teams face the risk of relegation to the lower divisions.

**Clubs and Rivalries**

The Division 2 is home to a mix of established clubs and newer teams, each bringing their unique history and fan base to the tournament. Local rivalries often add an extra layer of excitement to the matches, with passionate supporters turning out to cheer for their teams. The tournament not only fosters local pride but also strengthens community ties through the love of football.

**Development and Opportunities**

The Faroe Islands Division 2 plays a vital role in the development of players, coaches, and clubs. It serves as a breeding ground for young talent, offering them the opportunity to gain valuable experience and showcase their skills on a competitive stage. Many players who excel in Division 2 have gone on to represent the national team or secure contracts with clubs in higher leagues, both domestically and abroad.

**Conclusion**

The Faroe Islands Division 2 is more than just a football tournament; it is a celebration of the sport, community, and culture of the Faroe Islands. With its competitive matches, passionate fans, and the promise of promotion, it remains a key component of the Faroese football landscape, inspiring the next generation of players and fostering a love for the game throughout the islands.