The national football leagues are slated to kick off later this month following a nearly three-year hiatus.
According to a press release issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA), the body’s marquee league, the Premier Division, will kick off on November 26. The missive, however, did not indicate where matches will be played, nor did it indicate a format for the competition.
The top league will consist of 16 teams this year, after a decision in October 2020 to promote six teams as part of what was labelled restructuring efforts after the 2019/20 competition was stopped because of the Covis-19 pandemic.
Empire FC, Sap FC, FC Aston Villa, Tryum FC, Blue Jays FC and Willikies FC were all promoted from the First Division to the Premier Division, and will join Greenbay Hoppers, Parham, Five Islands, Ottos Rangers, Swetes, Liberta Blackhawks, Old Road, Bullets, All Saints United, and Grenades.
Meanwhile, the First Division will commence on November 21st with Garden Stars FC, Bendals FC, Lion Hill FC, JSC Progressors, Young Lions FC and Green City FC taking part for the first time after having been promoted from the lower tier.
The ABFA communique also indicated that the Second Division will start on November 22nd.
According to the release, “further consultations with our members and stakeholders will be held this week after which more information will be disseminated to the public via all platforms available”.