Myanmar National League

Myanmar National League

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DateRHome v Away-
01/02 09:30 16 Dagon Port FC v Sagaing United FC View
01/03 09:00 16 Yangon United FC v Shan Utd View
01/03 09:30 16 Rakhine United v Yadanarbon FC View
01/05 09:00 16 Ayeyawady Utd v Thitsar Arman FC View
01/05 09:30 16 Ispe FC v Myawady FC View
01/06 09:00 16 Dagon Star United FC v Hantharwady United View
01/10 09:00 17 Rakhine United v Ispe FC View
01/10 09:00 15 Rakhine United v Myawady FC View
01/10 09:30 17 Myawady FC v Yangon United FC View
01/10 09:30 15 Dagon Port FC v Dagon Star United FC View
01/11 09:00 15 Ayeyawady Utd v Ispe FC View
01/11 09:30 17 Dagon Port FC v Ayeyawady Utd View
01/12 09:30 17 Dagon Star United FC v Shan Utd View
01/12 09:30 15 Yadanarbon FC v Hantharwady United View
01/13 09:00 17 Thitsar Arman FC v Hantharwady United View
01/13 09:30 17 Sagaing United FC v Yadanarbon FC View
01/16 09:30 18 Rakhine United v Yangon United FC View
01/17 09:00 18 Dagon Port FC v Hantharwady United View
01/17 09:30 18 Myawady FC v Shan Utd View
01/18 09:30 18 Yadanarbon FC v Ayeyawady Utd View
01/19 09:30 18 Thitsar Arman FC v Dagon Star United FC View
01/20 09:00 18 Sagaing United FC v Ispe FC View
01/24 09:00 19 Yadanarbon FC v Dagon Star United FC View
01/24 09:30 19 Sagaing United FC v Myawady FC View
01/25 09:00 19 Ayeyawady Utd v Yangon United FC View
01/25 09:30 19 Ispe FC v Hantharwady United View
01/26 09:00 19 Shan Utd v Rakhine United View
01/26 09:30 19 Dagon Port FC v Thitsar Arman FC View
01/31 09:00 20 Shan Utd v Sagaing United FC View
01/31 09:30 20 Yadanarbon FC v Dagon Port FC View

The Myanmar National League; abbreviated MNL) is the premier national professional football league of Myanmar. In 2009, the league replaced the Myanmar Premier League, which consisted only of 14 Yangon-based football clubs, with eight professional clubs representing different regions across the nation. On 16 May 2009, the league launched its inaugural two-month tournament, the Myanmar National League Cup 2009 in preparation for the first full season in 2010. Despite its national ambitions, the league held the MNL Cup 2009 matches in the country's two main stadiums in Yangon due to the lack of adequate facilities elsewhere. On 5 July 2009, Yadanabon FC defeated Yangon United FC in the MNL Cup final to become the first-ever MNL Champions.

The league added three clubs for the 2010 season and one more club joined for the 2011 season, bringing the total to twelve clubs. Two more clubs representing the Chin and Shan States will participate in the MNL season starting in January 2012.

Promotion and relegation will be added by the 2014 season as the MNL looks to expand once again.

History

Origins

In the past, professional football competition in Myanmar has only existed in a limited form. All premier leagues up to this point have been made up of Yangon-based football clubs, most of which were affiliated with government Ministries. It was only after 1996, when the Premier League (Burmese: ပထမတန်း) was relaunched as the Myanmar Premier League that non-government clubs were invited to join the league. Still, the league was based only in Yangon, and never caught the imagination of Burmese football fans, who follow European football with near religious fervor.

The Myanmar Football Federation sought approval from the government to launch a nationwide league in February 2008, and finally received permission to set up private clubs in December 2008. Each club was permitted to sign at most five foreign players and one foreign coach. The government granted each club tax exemptions for an initial three-year period, while each club owner must provide a minimum initial investment of Ks.200 million (approximately US$200,000). It was expected that the annual operating cost for each club would be about Ks.500 million (US$500,000). The investment apparently covers costs such as salaries, transportation and equipment, but does not include the club stadiums, which are all nationalized.

Myanmar Derby

Myanmar Derby or The Classic Match of Myanmar is the matchup between Yangon United and Yadanarbon. It is the matchup that presents Myanmar football in the modern era. The name was given to the encounter of two teams due to the hype and massive atmosphere around the match. The first encounter between them happened in the 2009 MNL Cup season. On 18 June 2009, Yadanarbon and Yangon United met at Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon. Before the match, Yadanarbon was the leader in the table after 3 matches of the season while Yangon followed in second with one less point. Yadanarbon made the lead by 2–1 in the first forty-five minutes but Yangon bounced back to draw by the 2–2 result at the end. The match was full of the exciting and dramatic moments. Then, it was considered one of the most classic matches in Myanmar League history. The Yangon United versus Yadanarbon matchup was dubbed as "Myanmar Derby" ever since then.

Yangon Utd dominance

The Yangon Utd Dominance refers to the 2011 to 2013 season, which Yangon United won Myanmar National League in three consecutive seasons as the first club in the league history.

The first invincibles and consecutive titles

In 2019 season, Shan United under U Aung Naing head coach Myanmar, had become the first club in the league history that completed the season with an unbeaten record. Shan United finished at the top of the final standing with 12 wins and 10 draws. They have earned a second invincible season, this time with U Han Win Aung. They have won 15 matches and drew three. Between these two seasons, they had secured the 2020 Myanmar National League as well.

Shan Utd dominance

The Shan Utd Dominance refers to the 2019, 2020 and 2022 season, which Shan United won Myanmar National League in three consecutive seasons as the second club in the league.

The Myanmar National League (MNL) is the premier professional soccer tournament in Myanmar, showcasing the country's top football clubs and talent. Established in 2009, the league has rapidly gained popularity, becoming a vital part of Myanmar's sports culture.

The MNL features a competitive format where clubs from across the nation compete for the championship title, with teams representing various regions and cities. Matches are held in stadiums filled with passionate fans, creating an electric atmosphere that highlights the fervor for soccer in Myanmar.

The league not only serves as a platform for local talent to shine but also attracts international players and coaches, contributing to the growth and development of the sport in the country. The MNL operates on a promotion and relegation system, ensuring that the competition remains fierce and dynamic.

Throughout the season, clubs vie for points in a round-robin format, culminating in a thrilling finale that determines the league champion. The MNL also plays a crucial role in the development of youth soccer in Myanmar, with many clubs investing in grassroots programs to nurture the next generation of football stars.

As the league continues to evolve, it remains a symbol of national pride and a source of entertainment for millions of fans, uniting communities through the love of the beautiful game.