History

The Malta Premier League underwent a major transformation starting from the 2024/25 season, with the number of clubs reduced from 14 to 12. This restructuring was designed to improve competitiveness, raise quality standards, and enhance long-term financial sustainability.

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The new league format is split into two phases: the Opening Round and the Closing Round, in each phase, all 12 teams play each other once (11 matches), after which the league splits into a Top 6 and Bottom 6. Teams then play five additional matches within their group.

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Crucially, points do not carry over between the two phases every team starts from zero in the Closing Round, giving fresh opportunities and maintaining excitement throughout the season.

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The championship is decided in one of two ways:

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• If the same team wins both rounds, they are crowned champions and qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

• If different teams win each round, either a Final or a Final Four playoff—based on aggregate points—determines the title winner.

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Relegation is also performance-based:

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• Teams finishing in the bottom two spots of both rounds face automatic relegation.

• Inconsistent finishes may result in playoffs to determine which clubs drop to the Challenge League.

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This revamped structure marks a bold step towards modernizing Maltese football, with increased focus on sporting merit, commercial growth, and fan engagement.