Teams
Safa Beirut
Al Ansar Beirut
Tripoli SC
Al Nejmeh
Al Ahed
Shabab Al-Sahel
Tadamon Sour
Akhaa Ahli Aley
Salam Zgharta
Racing Beirut
Shabab Al-Ghazieh
Sagesse SC
Shabab Baalbak
Al Bourj
Al Egtmaaey Trablos
Shabab El-Bourj
Al Ahli Nabatieh
Shabab Al Arabi Beirut
Al Islah
Sporting Club Beirut
Reyady Abaseya
Wikipedia - Lebanese Premier League
The Lebanese First Division (Arabic: الدوري اللبناني الدرجة الأولى), commonly known as the Lebanese Premier League (Arabic: الدوري اللبناني الممتاز, romanized: ad-dawrī al-lubnānī al-mumtāz), is the top division of the Lebanese football league system. There are 12 teams competing in the league, which operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the Lebanese Second Division.
The league's first season began in May 1934, with Nahda winning the maiden title. Ansar is the most successful club in the league having won 14 titles; they also set a Guinness World Record by winning 11 consecutive league titles between 1988 and 1999. The league has featured a "split" system since 2020, in which the season is divided in two phases.
The country's most followed football club, Nejmeh's supporters are predominantly from the Lebanese Shia community.
History
On 22 March 1933, representatives of 13 football clubs gathered in the Minet El Hosn district in Beirut to form the Lebanese Football Association (LFA). The Lebanese Premier League began in May 1934 as the Edmond Rubeiz Cup, in honour of Nahda player Edmond Rubeiz who had died of typhoid the previous year. The competition was held in a knockout format, with Nahda beating DPHB 7–1 in the final to win the inaugural competition.
Nahda, AUB, and DPHB shared the titles during the first decade of the league. Between the 1940s and 1960s Armenian clubs, mainly Homenetmen and Homenmen, were the most prominent in the Lebanese footballing scene. The two clubs shared 11 titles in 16 seasons between 1943 and 1969. Following a 12-year interruption of the league due to the Lebanese Civil War, Ansar dominated the league winning 11 consecutive league titles between 1988 and 1999. They set a Guinness World Record for most consecutive league titles, which has been since broken by Skonto of Latvia in 2002.
Nejmeh broke Ansar's streak, winning four out of five league titles between 2000 and 2005. Since the late 2000s, Ahed have emerged as the dominant force in Lebanese football. They won their inaugural league title in 2008 and have since been crowned champions a total of nine times. After having won the league title in 2019, Ahed became the three-time defending champions, a feat accomplished only one other time, by Ansar in 1992. Due to financial and political issues in the country, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, the LFA decided to cancel the ongoing 2019–20 season.
The Lebanon League is the premier professional soccer tournament in Lebanon, showcasing the nation's top talent and fostering a deep-rooted passion for the beautiful game. Established to elevate the standards of soccer in the region, the league features a competitive format that brings together clubs from across the country, each vying for glory and the coveted championship title.
**Tournament Structure:**
The Lebanon League operates on a league format, where teams compete in a round-robin style, facing each other in home and away matches. The season typically runs from late summer to spring, culminating in an exciting playoff series that determines the league champion. With a mix of seasoned professionals and emerging young stars, the league offers thrilling matches filled with skill, strategy, and sportsmanship.
**Clubs and Rivalries:**
The league is home to some of the most storied clubs in Lebanese soccer history, each with its own unique identity and passionate fan base. Intense rivalries, such as those between Al Ahed and Nejmeh, add an extra layer of excitement to the tournament, drawing large crowds and creating an electric atmosphere in stadiums across the country.
**Community and Development:**
Beyond the competition, the Lebanon League plays a vital role in promoting soccer at the grassroots level. The league is committed to developing local talent through youth academies and community outreach programs, ensuring the future of Lebanese soccer remains bright.
**Cultural Significance:**
Soccer in Lebanon transcends the sport itself; it is a unifying force that brings together diverse communities and fosters national pride. The Lebanon League not only entertains but also serves as a platform for cultural exchange and social cohesion, making it a cherished event in the Lebanese sporting calendar.
Join us for the Lebanon League, where passion meets excellence, and witness the rise of soccer in Lebanon!