Kurdistan Premier League
The Kurdistan Premier League is the foremost association football league in Kurdistan. It is overseen by the Iraqi Kurdistan Football Association.[1] The league is not officially recognized by FIFA or any of its confederations, therefore cannot compete in their continental or intercontinental competitions.[2] The season runs from August and finishes in May, with each playing twenty six matches each. During the season, clubs compete for the Kurdistan Cup, which follows with the Kurdistan Super Cup, a contest held between league winners and the cup winners.
| Founded | 2006 |
|---|---|
| Region | Kurdistan |
| Confederation | Unaffiliated |
| Number of teams | 14 |
| Level on pyramid | 1 |
| Top goalscorer | Thiago Amaral (12 goals) |
The current champions are Zeravani SC, who have four league titles.[3]
History
The first season was the 2006/07 season, which saw Duhok Football Club crowned as the first champions.
Only nine clubs participated in the 2017/18 Kurdistan Premier League season, which didn't start until February 2018 after five teams pulled out. Brazilian striker Thiago Amaral broke the record for highest goals scored.
Current members
- Zeravani SC
- Brayati FC
- Handren FC
- Erbil SC
- Newroz FC
- Zakho FC
- Hawler Peshmerga FC
- Sherwana FC
- Sirwani Newe
- Kirkuk FC
- North Oil FC
- Duhok SC
- Jihan FC
References
- "Kurdish football prospers in new Iraq". 2006-12-14. Retrieved 2019-02-10.
- Rabas, Words: Jack Losh Film: Sebastien; Losh, Jack (2016-10-14). "The rebel World Cup: on the road with Kurdistan's football team". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2019-02-10.
- Kurdistan24. "Zeravani SC wins fourth Kurdistan Premier League title". Kurdistan24. Retrieved 2019-02-10.