In the 2024/25 season, 11 teams will compete in the Armenian Premier League. This was announced by the official page of the Armenian Premier League.
Initially, it was planned to expand the championship to 12 teams. FC Syunik was offered to become the 12th team, but the club from Kapan declined. It should be noted that last season, the army club BKMA finished last, but according to regulations, they are exempt from relegation to the First League, so no team was relegated from the previous season. From the First League, Gandzasar earned promotion.
Thus, the new season of the Armenian championship will feature an odd number of teams, meaning each team will have to skip one round.
The decision to proceed with an 11-team format was a necessity. Despite the Armenian Football Federation's active efforts to attract a 12th team, clubs face various challenges, including financial and organizational difficulties. FC Syunik's refusal to join the Premier League highlights these challenges.
Having an odd number of teams in the league presents certain challenges for scheduling. Each team will have to skip one round, which can affect the competition's rhythm and the teams' form. On the other hand, it gives clubs additional time for preparation and recovery between matches.
Three rounds will be played. In the first, the hosts will be determined by a draw, and in the second and third rounds, teams will play one home and one away match.
The last time more than 10 teams participated in the Armenian championship was in 2003, when the league was represented by 12 clubs. After that, between 6 and 10 teams participated in the championship. Since the 2019/20 season, 10 teams have participated each season.
Clubs in the 2024/25 Armenian Premier League season:
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Gandzasar (Kapan)
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Ararat (Yerevan)
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Ararat-Armenia (Yerevan)
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Pyunik (Yerevan)
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Noah (Yerevan)
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Urartu (Yerevan)
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Shirak (Gyumri)
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West Armenia (Yerevan)
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Alashkert (Yerevan)
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Van (Charentsavan)
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BKMA (Yerevan)