TIRANA, August 17 – Albania’s First Football League championship, the Abissnet Superiore, will start its 2026/27 season on August 21. The new season will introduce reforms aimed at increasing competition, creating more opportunities for young players and improving the organization of the championship. All matches will be broadcast on RTSH.
The Abissnet Superiore will follow a new three-phase format. The first 27 matchweeks will form the regular season. The teams will then split into two groups, with the top 6 competing in the play-offs and the bottom 4 playing in the play-outs. Teams will carry half of their regular-season points into these stages. The format aims to keep the title and relegation races competitive until the final weeks. Each team must also start at least one Albanian player born in 2007 or later in the Abissnet Superiore and Cup of Albania. The player must remain on the field for at least one half.
Meanwhile, matches will use 4 kickoff times: 13:30, 16:00, 18:30 and 21:00. The new schedule aims to improve conditions for clubs, players, broadcasters and fans. The Football Association of Albania will also continue its “Club in the Community” initiative, which seeks to strengthen ties between clubs, supporters, families, young people and local communities.
The new format, greater opportunities for young players and closer community engagement will shape the new season of Albania’s top football championship.
/a.p./
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