Football in Belarus

In Belarus, a country that gained independence in 1991, football is the most popular sport, closely followed by ice hockey. The national association takes part in all competitions organized by FIFA and UEFA at senior and youth level, as well as in women’s football.[1]

Football in Belarus
Borisov Arena is home ground of club FC BATE Borisov
CountryBelarus
Governing bodyFootball Federation of Belarus
National team(s)Belarus national football team
National competitions
Club competitions
International competitions

History

In 1910 was when football first began in Belarus with a club called First Gymnasium Football Team in Gomel.[2] Dinamo Minsk were once one of the powerhouses in the top flight of Soviet Union football, sometimes playing in European club competitions. A number of Belarusians, such as Sergei Aleinikov, Sergei Borovsky, Sergei Gotsmanov, Ihar Hurynovich, Georgi Kondratiev, Aleksandr Prokopenko, Andrei Zygmantovich and Eduard Malofeyev (as both player and manager), represented the Soviet Union. Today, the star of Belarusian football is Alexander Hleb, who currently plays for BATE Borisov.[3]


Domestic League

In 2020, the Belarusian League gained international recognition during the coronavirus pandemic due to the fact it continued when many other leagues were suspended.[4][5][6]

League system

Level

League(s)/Division(s)

1

Belarusian Premier League
16 clubs

↓↑ 2 clubs

2

Belarusian First League
15 clubs

↓ 1 club ↑ 2 clubs

3

Belarusian Second League
16 clubs


Women's Football

The top women's football league in Belarus is Belarusian Premier League.

See also

References
  1. "Belarus a shining light in women's development". UEFA.com. 2013-08-21. Retrieved 2013-12-02.
  2. "Belarus quick to make impression | Inside UEFA". UEFA.com. July 9, 2018.
  3. "Football in Belarus and a tale of false promise". Worldsoccer.com. 2013-12-07. Retrieved 2016-06-29.
  4. "Last league standing: Belarusian football basks in new-found popularity". March 29, 2020 – via www.theguardian.com.
  5. "Belarus football's new global following as Belarusian Premier League continues unabated". April 2, 2020 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  6. Price, Steve. "From Belarus To Taiwan, Fans Go To Extreme Lengths For Soccer Fix". Forbes.
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