Lebanon League

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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 featuted a "split" system since 2020, in which the season is divided in two phases.

History

A Beirut derby match between Nejmeh and Ansar during the 2019–20 season.

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 Edmon Rubeiz who 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.

From 2000, Nejmeh were the dominating force in Lebanon, winning five out of nine league titles until 2009. In 2008, Ahed won their first league title; they have won the league nine times since. After winning the league in 2018–19, 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 an exhilarating soccer tournament held annually in Lebanon, showcasing the immense talent and passion for the sport in the country. This highly anticipated event brings together teams from various regions of Lebanon, creating a vibrant and competitive atmosphere that captivates both players and spectators alike.

The Lebanon League is a platform for local soccer clubs to showcase their skills, strategies, and teamwork, as they battle it out on the field for the coveted championship title. The tournament features a series of intense matches, where teams display their agility, precision, and determination to outperform their opponents.

The tournament is known for its high level of competitiveness, with each team bringing their A-game to the field. The players exhibit exceptional technical abilities, showcasing their dribbling, passing, and shooting skills, leaving the audience in awe. The matches are filled with thrilling moments, as players execute breathtaking goals, make strategic tackles, and showcase their tactical prowess.

The Lebanon League not only provides a platform for local talent to shine but also fosters a sense of unity and camaraderie among the participating teams. The tournament serves as a melting pot of cultures, bringing together players from diverse backgrounds, who share a common love for the sport. This creates an atmosphere of sportsmanship and mutual respect, where players forge lasting friendships and connections.

Spectators attending the Lebanon League are treated to an unforgettable experience. The electrifying atmosphere in the stadiums is palpable, as passionate fans cheer on their favorite teams, creating a sea of colors and chants. The energy is contagious, and the crowd's enthusiasm fuels the players' performances, making every match a spectacle to behold.

The Lebanon League is not just a soccer tournament; it is a celebration of the sport and a testament to the talent and dedication of Lebanese soccer players. It serves as a platform for the growth and development of soccer in Lebanon, inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams and showcasing the country's potential on the international stage.

Whether you are a die-hard soccer fan or simply looking for an exciting sporting event, the Lebanon League promises an unforgettable experience filled with thrilling matches, incredible skills, and a vibrant atmosphere that will leave you wanting more.