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| pyramid = Azerbaijani football league system
| pyramid = Azerbaijani football league system
| domest_cup = [[Azerbaijan Cup]]
| domest_cup = [[Azerbaijan Cup]]
| confed_cup = [[UEFA Champions League]]<br/>[[UEFA Europa League]]<br />[[UEFA Europa Conference League]]
| confed_cup = [[UEFA Champions League]]<br/>[[UEFA Europa League]]<br />[[UEFA Conference League]]
| champions = [[Qarabağ FK|Qarabağ]] (11th title)
| champions = [[Qarabağ FK|Qarabağ]] (11th title)
| season = [[2023–24 Azerbaijan Premier League|2023–24]]
| season = [[2023–24 Azerbaijan Premier League|2023–24]]
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| tv = CBC Sport
| tv = CBC Sport
| website = {{URL|https://pfl.az}}
| website = {{URL|https://pfl.az}}
| current = [[2023–24 Azerbaijan Premier League]]
| current = [[2024–25 Azerbaijan Premier League]]
}}
}}
The '''Azerbaijan Premier League''' ({{lang-az|Azərbaycan Premyer Liqası}}) is [[Azerbaijani football league system|the top Azerbaijani professional league]] for men's [[association football]] teams. It is contested by 10 clubs. Seasons run from August to May, with teams playing 36 matches each (playing each team in the league four times, twice at home and twice away). The Premier League champion secures the right to play in [[UEFA Champions League]] first qualifying round. The runner up and the 3rd place winner secure right to play in [[UEFA Europa Conference League]] starting in second qualifying round.
The '''Azerbaijan Premier League''' ({{langx|az|Azərbaycan Premyer Liqası}}), also known as '''Misli Premyer Liqası''' (for sponsorship reasons) is [[Azerbaijani football league system|the top Azerbaijani professional league]] for men's [[association football]] teams. It is contested by 10 clubs. Seasons run from August to May, with teams playing 36 matches each (playing each team in the league four times, twice at home and twice away). The Premier League champion secures the right to play in [[UEFA Champions League]] first qualifying round. The runner up and the 3rd place winner secure right to play in [[UEFA Europa Conference League]] starting in second qualifying round.


Since 1992, a total of 8 clubs have been crowned champions of the Azerbaijani football system. The Azerbaijan Premier League was first organized in 2007 and succeeded the Top Division ({{lang-az|Yüksək Liqa}}), which existed from 1992 to 2007. The current champions are [[Qarabağ FK|Qarabağ]], who won the title in the [[2022–23 Azerbaijan Premier League|2022–23]] season for the tenth time.
Since 1992, a total of 8 clubs have been crowned champions of the Azerbaijani football system. The Azerbaijan Premier League was first organized in 2007 and succeeded the Top Division ({{langx|az|Yüksək Liqa}}), which existed from 1992 to 2007. The current champions are [[Qarabağ FK|Qarabağ]], who won the title in the [[2022–23 Azerbaijan Premier League|2022–23]] season for the tenth time.


==Azerbaijan SSR Champions==
==Azerbaijan SSR Champions==
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===The 2000s===
===The 2000s===
As league entered a new century, the [[Neftçi PFK|Neftçi]] found themselves facing new challengers. They were challenged by emerging [[Khazar Lankaran FK|Khazar Lankaran]], [[Inter Baku PIK|Inter Baku]] and [[FC Baku|Baku]] in both competitions. The country's football received major blow in 2002, when [[UEFA]] imposed a two-year ban in response to a long-standing conflict between the [[Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan]] and majority of the country's top flight clubs.<ref>{{cite web|title=İbrahimoviç Qurbanova çatdı |url=http://www.futbolplusqol.com/2011/05/12/read=15908 |work=futbolplusqol.com |access-date=1 September 2011 |language=az |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009021641/http://www.futbolplusqol.com/2011/05/12/read%3D15908 |archive-date=9 October 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref> The domestic championship was abandoned as a result of the conflict and the top clubs prevented their players from playing for the [[Azerbaijan national football team|national team]], with tax officials also probing allegations of fraud at the Azerbaijan federation.<ref>{{cite web|last=Walker|first=Paul|title=Relief for Wales as Uefa lifts ban on Azerbaijan|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/relief-for-wales-as-uefa-lifts-ban-on-azerbaijan-590976.html|work=Independent.co.uk|publisher=[[The Independent]]|access-date=1 September 2011}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Under the management of [[Agaselim Mirjavadov]], Khazar Lankaran finished as [[Azerbaijan Cup]] winners in 2006 and 2007, while becoming league champions in [[2006–07 Azerbaijan Top League|2006–07]] despite losing the title to Neftçi in [[2004–05 Azerbaijan Top League|2004–05]] during Championship play-off. [[Qarabağ FK|Qarabağ]] was the first ever team from Azerbaijan to reach [[UEFA Europa League]] play off-round during the seasons [[2009–10 UEFA Europa League qualifying phase and play-off round|2009–10]] and [[2010–11 UEFA Europa League qualifying phase and play-off round|2010–11]]. Few gave chances for qualification to the next round, although the [[Agdam Rayon|Aghdam]] side caused quite a stir against favorites [[Rosenborg BK|Rosenborg]], [[FC Honka|Honka]], [[FC Twente|Twente]] and [[Wisła Kraków]].
As league entered a new century, the [[Neftçi PFK|Neftçi]] found themselves facing new challengers. They were challenged by emerging [[Khazar Lankaran FK|Khazar Lankaran]], [[Inter Baku PIK|Inter Baku]] and [[FC Baku|Baku]] in both competitions. The country's football received major blow in 2002, when [[UEFA]] imposed a two-year ban in response to a long-standing conflict between the [[Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan]] and majority of the country's top flight clubs.<ref>{{cite web|title=İbrahimoviç Qurbanova çatdı |url=http://www.futbolplusqol.com/2011/05/12/read=15908 |work=futbolplusqol.com |access-date=1 September 2011 |language=az |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009021641/http://www.futbolplusqol.com/2011/05/12/read%3D15908 |archive-date=9 October 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref> The domestic championship was abandoned as a result of the conflict and the top clubs prevented their players from playing for the [[Azerbaijan national football team|national team]], with tax officials also probing allegations of fraud at the Azerbaijan federation.<ref>{{cite web|last=Walker|first=Paul|title=Relief for Wales as Uefa lifts ban on Azerbaijan|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/relief-for-wales-as-uefa-lifts-ban-on-azerbaijan-105824.html|work=Independent.co.uk|publisher=[[The Independent]]|access-date=1 September 2011}}</ref> Under the management of [[Agaselim Mirjavadov]], Khazar Lankaran finished as [[Azerbaijan Cup]] winners in 2006 and 2007, while becoming league champions in [[2006–07 Azerbaijan Top League|2006–07]] despite losing the title to Neftçi in [[2004–05 Azerbaijan Top League|2004–05]] during Championship play-off. [[Qarabağ FK|Qarabağ]] was the first ever team from Azerbaijan to reach [[UEFA Europa League]] play off-round during the seasons [[2009–10 UEFA Europa League qualifying phase and play-off round|2009–10]] and [[2010–11 UEFA Europa League qualifying phase and play-off round|2010–11]]. Few gave chances for qualification to the next round, although the [[Agdam Rayon|Aghdam]] side caused quite a stir against favorites [[Rosenborg BK|Rosenborg]], [[FC Honka|Honka]], [[FC Twente|Twente]] and [[Wisła Kraków]].


===The 2010s===
===The 2010s===
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The champions qualify for the [[UEFA Champions League]], the second and third placed teams qualifies for the [[UEFA Europa Conference League]]. As of the start of the [[2020–21 Azerbaijan Premier League]] season qualification for European competitions is as follows: champions qualify for the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, runners-up and third placed team qualifies for the first qualifying round of the Conference League. A fourth spot is given to the winner of the [[Azerbaijan Cup]], who qualify for the first qualifying round of the Conference League. If the Azerbaijan Cup winner has already qualified for European competition through their league finish, the next highest placed club in the league takes their place.
The champions qualify for the [[UEFA Champions League]], the second and third placed teams qualifies for the [[UEFA Europa Conference League]]. As of the start of the [[2020–21 Azerbaijan Premier League]] season qualification for European competitions is as follows: champions qualify for the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, runners-up and third placed team qualifies for the first qualifying round of the Conference League. A fourth spot is given to the winner of the [[Azerbaijan Cup]], who qualify for the first qualifying round of the Conference League. If the Azerbaijan Cup winner has already qualified for European competition through their league finish, the next highest placed club in the league takes their place.


==Members of the APL (2023–24 season)==
==Members of the APL (2024–25 season)==
{{main|2023–24 Azerbaijan Premier League}}
{{main|2024–25 Azerbaijan Premier League}}
{{Location map+|Azerbaijan|float=right|width=330|caption=Locations of the '''2023–24 Azerbaijan Premier League''' teams.<br/>Team in ''italics'' is from a zone of the [[Nagorno-Karabakh conflict]] and is playing its home games in [[Baku]].|places=
{{Location map+|Azerbaijan|float=right|width=330|caption=Locations of the '''2024–25 Azerbaijan Premier League''' teams.<br/>Team in ''italics'' is from a zone of the [[Nagorno-Karabakh conflict]] and is playing its home games in [[Baku]].|places=
<!--BAKU CLUBS-->
<!--BAKU CLUBS-->
{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|lat=40.4 |long=49.9 |label=[[Neftçi PFK|Neftçi]]<br/>[[Sabah FK|Sabah]]}}
{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|lat=40.4 |long=49.9 |label=[[Neftçi PFK|Neftçi]]<br/>[[Sabah FK|Sabah]]}}
<!--OTHER CLUBS-->
<!--OTHER CLUBS-->
{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|lat=39.21 |long=45.41 |label=[[Araz-Naxçıvan PFK|Araz]] |position=left}}
{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|lat=39.21 |long=45.41 |label=[[Araz-Naxçıvan PFK|Araz]] |position=left}}
{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|lat=40.98 |long=47.84 |label=[[Gabala FK|Gabala]] |position=bottom}}
{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|lat=40.78 |long=48.81 |label=[[Shamakhi FK|Shamakhi]] |position=bottom}}
{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|lat=40.706111 |long=46.361944 |label=[[Kapaz PFK|Kapaz]] |position=bottom}}
{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|lat=40.706111 |long=46.361944 |label=[[Kapaz PFK|Kapaz]] |position=bottom}}
{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|lat=39.993 |long=46.9305 |label=''[[Qarabağ FK|Qarabağ]]''}}
{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|lat=39.993 |long=46.9305 |label=''[[Qarabağ FK|Qarabağ]]''}}
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!Capacity<ref>[http://pfl.az Azərbaycan Peşəkar Liqası] {{in lang|az}}</ref>
!Capacity<ref>[http://pfl.az Azərbaycan Peşəkar Liqası] {{in lang|az}}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[Gabala FK|Gabala]]
|[[Shamakhi FK|Shamakhi]]
|[[Qabala]]
|[[Shamakhi]]
|[[Gabala City Stadium]]
|[[Shamakhi City Stadium]]
|align="center" |4,500
|align="center" |4,500
|-
|-
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|[[Aghdam]]
|[[Aghdam]]
|[[Azersun Arena]]
|[[Azersun Arena]]
|align="center" |5,200
|align="center" |5,800
|-
|-
|[[Sabah FC (Azerbaijan)|Sabah]]
|[[Sabah FC (Azerbaijan)|Sabah]]
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|[[Sumgayit FK|Sumgayit]]
|[[Sumgayit FK|Sumgayit]]
|[[Sumqayit]]
|[[Sumqayit]]
|[[Kapital Bank Arena]]
|[[Mehdi Huseynzade]]
|align="center" |1,400
|align="center" |10,047
|-
|-
|[[Turan-Tovuz IK|Turan-Tovuz]]
|[[Turan-Tovuz IK|Turan-Tovuz]]
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!width="500"|Winning years
!width="500"|Winning years
|-
|-
|align =left|[[File:Star full.svg|15px]] [[File:Star full.svg|15px]] [[Qarabağ FK|Qarabağ]]
|align =left|[[File:Star full.svg|12px]] [[File:Star full.svg|12px]] [[Qarabağ FK|Qarabağ]]
| {{center|11}}
| {{center|11}}
| {{center|4}}
| {{center|4}}
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| [[1993 Azerbaijan Top League|1993]], [[2013–14 Azerbaijan Premier League|2013–14]], [[2014–15 Azerbaijan Premier League|2014–15]], [[2015–16 Azerbaijan Premier League|2015–16]], [[2016–17 Azerbaijan Premier League|2016–17]], [[2017–18 Azerbaijan Premier League|2017–18]], [[2018–19 Azerbaijan Premier League|2018–19]], [[2019–20 Azerbaijan Premier League|2019–20]], [[2021–22 Azerbaijan Premier League|2021–22]], [[2022–23 Azerbaijan Premier League|2022–23]], [[2023–24 Azerbaijan Premier League|2023–24]]
| [[1993 Azerbaijan Top League|1993]], [[2013–14 Azerbaijan Premier League|2013–14]], [[2014–15 Azerbaijan Premier League|2014–15]], [[2015–16 Azerbaijan Premier League|2015–16]], [[2016–17 Azerbaijan Premier League|2016–17]], [[2017–18 Azerbaijan Premier League|2017–18]], [[2018–19 Azerbaijan Premier League|2018–19]], [[2019–20 Azerbaijan Premier League|2019–20]], [[2021–22 Azerbaijan Premier League|2021–22]], [[2022–23 Azerbaijan Premier League|2022–23]], [[2023–24 Azerbaijan Premier League|2023–24]]
|-
|-
|align =left|[[File:Star full.svg|15px]] [[Neftçi PFK|Neftçi]]
|align =left|[[File:Star full.svg|12px]] [[Neftçi PFK|Neftçi]]
| {{center|9}}
| {{center|9}}
| {{center|5}}
| {{center|5}}
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! 10
! 10
| {{flagicon|Azerbaijan}} [[Vurğun Hüseynov]]
| {{flagicon|Azerbaijan}} [[Vurğun Hüseynov]]
| align="center"| 2005–23
| align="center"| 2005–24
| align="center"| [[Sumgayit FK|Sumgayit]]
| align="center"| [[Sumgayit FK|Sumgayit]]
| align="center"| 368
| align="center"| 368
Line 794: Line 794:
|''(21)''
|''(21)''
|align=left|{{flagicon|Poland}} [[Ekstraklasa]]
|align=left|{{flagicon|Poland}} [[Ekstraklasa]]
|19.250
|50.000
|-
|-
|26
|26

Latest revision as of 22:21, 15 December 2024

Azerbaijan Premier League
Founded1992; 32 years ago (1992)
CountryAzerbaijan
ConfederationUEFA
Number of clubs10
Level on pyramid1
Relegation toFirst League
Domestic cup(s)Azerbaijan Cup
International cup(s)UEFA Champions League
UEFA Europa League
UEFA Conference League
Current championsQarabağ (11th title)
(2023–24)
Most championshipsQarabağ (11 titles)
TV partnersCBC Sport
Websitepfl.az
Current: 2024–25 Azerbaijan Premier League

The Azerbaijan Premier League (Azerbaijani: Azərbaycan Premyer Liqası), also known as Misli Premyer Liqası (for sponsorship reasons) is the top Azerbaijani professional league for men's association football teams. It is contested by 10 clubs. Seasons run from August to May, with teams playing 36 matches each (playing each team in the league four times, twice at home and twice away). The Premier League champion secures the right to play in UEFA Champions League first qualifying round. The runner up and the 3rd place winner secure right to play in UEFA Europa Conference League starting in second qualifying round.

Since 1992, a total of 8 clubs have been crowned champions of the Azerbaijani football system. The Azerbaijan Premier League was first organized in 2007 and succeeded the Top Division (Azerbaijani: Yüksək Liqa), which existed from 1992 to 2007. The current champions are Qarabağ, who won the title in the 2022–23 season for the tenth time.

Azerbaijan SSR Champions

[edit]
Main article: Football Championship of the Azerbaijan SSR
  • 1928: Progress-2 Baku
  • 1929–33: unknown
  • 1934: Profsoyuz Baku
  • 1935: Stroitel Yuga Baku
  • 1936: Stroitel Yuga Baku
  • 1937: Lokomotiv Baku
  • 1938: Lokomotiv Baku
  • 1939: Lokomotiv Baku
  • 1940: Lokomotiv Baku
  • 1941–43: unknown
  • 1944: Dinamo Baku
  • 1945: Neftyanik Baku
  • 1946: Lokomotiv Baku
  • 1947: Trudovye Rezervy Baku
  • 1948: KKF Baku
  • 1949: KKF Baku
  • 1950: Iskra Baku
  • 1951: Ordjonikidzeneft Baku
  • 1952: Ordjonikidzeneft Baku
  • 1953: Ordjonikidzeneft Baku
  • 1954: Zavod im. S.M. Budennogo Baku
  • 1955: Ordjonikidzeneft Baku
  • 1956: NPU Ordgonikidzeneft Baku
  • 1957: NPU Ordjonikidzeneft Baku
  • 1958: NPU Ordjonikidzeneft Baku
  • 1959: Baku Teams (Spartakiada)
  • 1960: SKA Baku
  • 1961: Spartak Guba
  • 1962: SKA Baku
  • 1963: Araz Baku
  • 1964: Polad Sumgait
  • 1965: Vostok Baku
  • 1966: Vostok Baku
  • 1967: Araz Baku
  • 1968: SKA Baku
  • 1969: Araz Baku
  • 1970: SKA Baku
  • 1971: Khimik Salyany
  • 1972: Surahanets Baku
  • 1973: Araz Baku
  • 1974: Araz Baku
  • 1975: Araz Baku
  • 1976: Araz Baku
  • 1977: Karabakh Khankendi
  • 1978: SKIF Baku
  • 1979: SKA Baku
  • 1980: Energetik Ali-Bayramly
  • 1981: Gandjlik Baku
  • 1982: Tokhudju Baku
  • 1983: Termist Baku
  • 1984: Termist Baku
  • 1985: Khazar Sumgayit
  • 1986: Göyəzən
  • 1987: Araz Naxçıvan
  • 1988: Qarabağ Ağdam
  • 1989: Stroitel Sabirabad
  • 1990: Qarabağ Ağdam
  • 1991: Khazar Sumgayit

History

[edit]

The 1990s

[edit]

The league was dominated by teams like Neftçi, Kapaz, Turan Tovuz and Shamkir. However, financial struggles had bad impact on local clubs and most teams such as Khazri Buzovna, Shamkir, Vilash Masalli and Shafa Baku went bust due increasing debts.[1] In 1997, Kapaz were known for their unbeaten run as club's final record for the 1997–98 league campaign stood at 22 wins, 4 draws and 0 losses, out of 26 games total, an unbeaten run not matched in any single season by any team in an Azerbaijani league division.[2]

The 2000s

[edit]

As league entered a new century, the Neftçi found themselves facing new challengers. They were challenged by emerging Khazar Lankaran, Inter Baku and Baku in both competitions. The country's football received major blow in 2002, when UEFA imposed a two-year ban in response to a long-standing conflict between the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan and majority of the country's top flight clubs.[3] The domestic championship was abandoned as a result of the conflict and the top clubs prevented their players from playing for the national team, with tax officials also probing allegations of fraud at the Azerbaijan federation.[4] Under the management of Agaselim Mirjavadov, Khazar Lankaran finished as Azerbaijan Cup winners in 2006 and 2007, while becoming league champions in 2006–07 despite losing the title to Neftçi in 2004–05 during Championship play-off. Qarabağ was the first ever team from Azerbaijan to reach UEFA Europa League play off-round during the seasons 2009–10 and 2010–11. Few gave chances for qualification to the next round, although the Aghdam side caused quite a stir against favorites Rosenborg, Honka, Twente and Wisła Kraków.

The 2010s

[edit]
Azerbaijan Premier League 2011–12 trophy

The 2010s brought a bright start, with Neftçi emerged as a champion after six years of unsuccessful run.[5][6] In the next season, Neftçi repeated its domestic success after sealing their seventh title in club's history.[7][8] In that year, Neftçi Baku became the first Azerbaijani team which advanced to group stage of a European competition.[9] In 2012–13 season, Neftçi managed to win three titles in a row.[10][11] In 2013–14 season, Qarabağ managed to win its 2nd title after 21 years,[12] and continue to win domestic title consecutively. In 2014, Qarabağ became the second and most successful Azerbaijani team which advanced to group stage of a European competition.[13] After consecutive participation in Europa League, in 2017, Qarabağ became the first Azerbaijani team which advanced to group stage of a Champions League.

On 19 June 2020, the AFFA announced that the 2019–20 was officially ended without the resumption of the remains matches due to the escalating situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in Azerbaijan. As a result, Qarabağ were crowned champions for the seventh season in a row, whilst also qualifying for the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League, with Neftçi, Keşla and Sumgayit qualifying for the 2020–21 UEFA Europa League.[14]

Competition format

[edit]

The competition format follows the usual double round-robin format. During the course of a season, which lasts from August to May, each club plays every other club four times, two times at home and two times away, for a total of 28 games.[15] Teams receive three points for a win, one point for a draw, and no points for a loss. Teams are ranked by total points, with the highest-ranked club at the end of the season crowned champion.

Beginning from 2022-23 season Azerbaijan Premier League is planned to be extended to 10 teams.[16]

Below is a complete record of how many teams played in each season throughout the league's history;

 
  • 26 clubs = 1992
  • 20 clubs = 1993
  • 16 clubs = 1993–94
  • 13 clubs = 1994–95
  • 11 clubs = 1995–96
  • 16 clubs = 1996–98
  • 14 clubs = 1998–99
  • 12 clubs = 1999–00
  • 11 clubs = 2000–01
  • 12 clubs = 2001–02
  • 15 clubs = 2003
  • 14 clubs = 2003–04
  • 18 clubs = 2004–05
  • 14 clubs = 2005–09
  • 12 clubs = 2009–13
  • 10 clubs = 2013–16
  • 8 clubs = 2016–22
  • 10 clubs = 2022–present

Qualification for European competitions

[edit]

The champions qualify for the UEFA Champions League, the second and third placed teams qualifies for the UEFA Europa Conference League. As of the start of the 2020–21 Azerbaijan Premier League season qualification for European competitions is as follows: champions qualify for the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, runners-up and third placed team qualifies for the first qualifying round of the Conference League. A fourth spot is given to the winner of the Azerbaijan Cup, who qualify for the first qualifying round of the Conference League. If the Azerbaijan Cup winner has already qualified for European competition through their league finish, the next highest placed club in the league takes their place.

Members of the APL (2024–25 season)

[edit]
Main article: 2024–25 Azerbaijan Premier League
class=notpageimage|
Locations of the 2024–25 Azerbaijan Premier League teams.
Team in italics is from a zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and is playing its home games in Baku.

Stadia and locations

[edit]
Note: Table lists in alphabetical order.
Team Location Venue Capacity[17]
Shamakhi Shamakhi Shamakhi City Stadium 4,500
Kapaz Ganja Ganja City Stadium 27,000
Neftçi Baku Bakcell Arena 11,000
Qarabağ Aghdam Azersun Arena 5,800
Sabah Absheron Bank Respublika Arena 13,000
Sabail Sabail, Baku Bayil Arena 3,200
Araz Nakhchivan Nakhchivan City Stadium 12,800
Sumgayit Sumqayit Mehdi Huseynzade 10,047
Turan-Tovuz Tovuz Tovuz City Stadium 6,800
Zira Zira, Baku Zira Olympic Sport Complex Stadium 1,300

Azerbaijani League Champions and Top Scorers

[edit]
Season Champion Runner-up Third place Top scorers
1992 Neftçi Khazar Sumgayit Turan Azerbaijan Nazim Aliyev (Khazar Sumgayit, 39 goals)
1993 Qarabağ Khazar Sumgayit Turan Azerbaijan Samir Alakbarov (Neftçi, 16 goals)
1993–94 Turan Qarabağ Kapaz Azerbaijan Musa Gurbanov (Turan, 35 goals)
1994–95 Kapaz Turan Neftçi Azerbaijan Nazim Aliyev (Neftçi, 26 goals)
1995–96 Neftçi Khazri Buzovna Kapaz Azerbaijan Fazil Parvarov (Kapaz, 23 goals) / Rovshan Ahmadov (Kapaz, 23 goals)
1996–97 Neftçi Qarabağ Khazri Buzovna Azerbaijan Gurban Gurbanov (Neftçi, 34 goals)
1997–98 Kapaz Baku Shamkir Azerbaijan Nazim Aliyev (Baku, 23 goals)
1998–99 Kapaz Shamkir Neftçi Azerbaijan Alay Bahramov (Viləş Masallı, 24 goals)
1999–00 Shamkir Kapaz Neftçi Azerbaijan Badri Kvaratskhelia (Shamkir, 16 goals)
2000–01 Shamkir Neftçi Vilash Masalli Azerbaijan Pasha Aliyev (Bakili Baku, 12 goals)
2001–02
The AFFA and the clubs were discontinued due to the conflict between the clubs and the results were not taken into account.[18]
2002–03
Due to conflict between almost all clubs and the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan, no league championship was held.[19]
2003–04 Neftçi Shamkir Qarabağ Azerbaijan Samir Musayev (Qarabağ, 20 goals)
2004–05 Neftçi Khazar Lankaran Karvan Azerbaijan Zaur Ramazanov (Karvan, 21 goals)
2005–06 Baku Karvan Neftçi Ivory Coast Yacouba Bamba (Karvan, 16 goals)
2006–07 Khazar Lankaran Neftçi Baku Azerbaijan Zaur Ramazanov (Khazar Lankaran, 20 goals)
2007–08 Inter Baku AZAL Neftçi Azerbaijan Khagani Mammadov (Inter Baku, 19 goals)
2008–09 Baku Inter Baku Simurq Uruguay Walter Guglielmone (Inter Baku, 17 goals)
2009–10 Inter Baku Baku Qarabağ Azerbaijan Farid Guliyev (Standard Baku, 16 goals)
2010–11 Neftçi Khazar Lankaran Qarabağ Georgia (country) Georgi Adamia (Qarabağ, 18 goals)
2011–12 Neftçi Khazar Lankaran Inter Baku Uzbekistan Bahodir Nasimov (Neftçi, 16 goals)
2012–13 Neftçi Qarabağ Inter Baku Chile Nicolás Canales (Neftçi, 26 goals)
2013–14 Qarabağ Inter Baku Gabala Brazil Reynaldo (Qarabağ, 22 goals)
2014–15 Qarabağ Inter Baku Gabala Azerbaijan Nurlan Novruzov (Baku, 15 goals)
2015–16 Qarabağ Zira Gabala Spain Dani Quintana (Qarabağ, 15 goals)
2016–17 Qarabağ Gabala Inter Baku Croatia Filip Ozobić (Gabala, 11 goals) & Azerbaijan Rauf Aliyev (Inter Baku, 11 goals)
2017–18 Qarabağ Gabala Neftçi France Bagaliy Dabo, (Gabala, 13 goals)
2018–19 Qarabağ Neftçi Səbail Azerbaijan Mahir Madatov, (Qarabağ, 16 goals)
2019–20 Qarabağ Neftçi Keşla Iran Peyman Babaei, (Sumgayit, 7 goals) & France Steeven Joseph-Monrose (Neftçi, 7 goals) & France Bagaliy Dabo (Neftçi, 7 goals) & Azerbaijan Mahir Emreli (Qarabağ, 7 goals)
2020–21 Neftçi Qarabağ Sumgayit Azerbaijan Namik Alaskarov (Neftçi, 19 goals)
2021–22 Qarabağ Neftçi Zira Brazil Kady (Qarabağ, 12 goals)
2022–23 Qarabağ Sabah Neftçi Azerbaijan Ramil Sheydayev (Qarabağ, 22 goals)
2023–24 Qarabağ Zira Sabah Brazil Juninho (Qarabağ, 20 goals)

Performances

[edit]

Performance by club

[edit]
Club Winners Runners-up Third place Winning years
Qarabağ
11
4
4
 1993, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24
Neftçi
9
5
7
 1992, 1995–96, 1996–97, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2020–21
Kapaz
3
1
2
 1994–95, 1997–98, 1998–99
Shamakhi
2
3
4
 2007–08, 2009–10
Shamkir
2
2
1
 1999–00, 2000–01
Baku
2
2
1
 2005–06, 2008–09
Khazar Lankaran
1
3
–
 2006–07
Turan Tovuz
1
1
2
 1993–94
Gabala
–
2
3
 –
Zira
–
2
1
 –
Khazar Sumgayit
–
2
0
 –
Sabah
–
1
1
 –
Karvan
–
1
1
 –
Khazri Buzovna
–
1
1
 –
AZAL
–
1
–
 –
Sabail
–
–
1
 –
Simurq
–
–
1
 –
Sumgayit
–
–
1
 –
Viləş Masallı
–
–
1
 –

League participation

[edit]

Note: The tallies below include up to the 2023–24 season. Teams denoted in bold are current participants.

Soviet Top League participation

[edit]

Players

[edit]

Azerbaijan Premier League clubs have almost complete freedom to sign whatever number and category of players they wish. There is no team or individual salary cap, no squad size limit, no age restrictions other than those applied by general employment law, no restrictions on the overall number of foreign players, and few restrictions on individual foreign players – all players with foreign nationality, including those able to claim a passport through a parent or grandparent, are eligible to play, and top players from outside the EU are able to obtain Azerbaijani work permits.

The only restriction on selection is the "Under-21 rule". This rule states that each club must include at least two players under the age of 21 in its matchday squad.[20] Opinions on this rule appear to be divided among APL managers.

Records

[edit]

Players in the Premier League compete for the Azerbaijan Premier League Golden Boot, awarded to the top scorer at the end of each season. Nazim Aliyev is the league's all-time top scorer with 183 goals, including 39 in the 1992 season.[21] During the 1995–96 season he became the first player to score 100 Premier League goals. Since then, 10 other players have reached the 100-goal mark.[21]

Gurban Gurbanov is one of the highest goalscorers in Premier League.
Top Ten Highest Goalscorers[22]
Player Period Club[23] Goals
1 Azerbaijan Nazim Aliyev 1992–99 Neftchi Baku 183
2 Azerbaijan Mushfig Huseynov 1992–07 Qarabağ 125
3 Azerbaijan Rovshan Ahmadov 1992–03 Kapaz 116
4 Azerbaijan Gurban Gurbanov 1990–06 Neftçi 115
5 Azerbaijan Samir Alakbarov 1992–01 Neftçi 115
6 Azerbaijan Alay Bahramov 1992–99 Viləş Masallı 108
7 Azerbaijan Vadim Vasilyev 1994–07 Baki Fehlesi 102
8 Azerbaijan Khagani Mammadov 1994–12 Inter Baku 102
9 Azerbaijan Kanan Karimov 1995–12 Shamkir 101
10 Azerbaijan Nadir Nabiyev 1995–12 Turan 100
Aslan Kerimov is one of the most capped players in Premier League.
Top ten most capped players[24]
Player Period Club[25] Games
1 Azerbaijan Rahid Amirguliyev 2005–23 Khazar Lankaran 451
2 Azerbaijan Mahmud Gurbanov 1992–12 Kapaz 421
3 Azerbaijan Rashad Sadiqov 1998–21 Neftchi 392
4 Azerbaijan Azer Mammadov 1992–12 Kapaz 388
5 Azerbaijan Asif Mammadov 2004– Gabala 388
6 Azerbaijan Aslan Kerimov 1992–11 Qarabağ 382
7 Azerbaijan Rashad Abdullayev 1994–17 Khazar Lankaran 378
8 Azerbaijan Maksim Medvedev 2006-24 Qarabağ 376
9 Azerbaijan Elvin Mammadov 2005–2023 Baku 376
10 Azerbaijan Vurğun Hüseynov 2005–24 Sumgayit 368
As of match played 1 June 2024
Biggest home win
Kapaz 14–2 Shamkir (1997–98)[26]
Most consecutive games unbeaten
Kapaz, 30 games, 1997–98[2]
Youngest goalscorer
Orkhan Aliyev, for Sumgayit vs Gabala, 15 years old, 236 days[27]
Oldest player
Nadir Shukurov, for Karvan vs Mughan, 42 years, 19 April 2009[28]
All-time top scorer
Nazim Aliyev (Khazar Sumgayit, Neftçi, Qarabag, Shafa Baku, Dinamo Baku), (183 goals)
Most APL appearances
Mahmud Gurbanov, 421
Most goals in a season
Nazim Aliyev (Khazar Sumgayit), (39 goals), 1992

UEFA ranking

[edit]

UEFA Country Ranking for league participation after 2018–19 European football season.

As of 20 June 2019[29]
Current
Ranking 		Movement Last Season
Ranking 		League Coefficient
24 upward-facing green arrow (28) Kazakhstan Kazakhstan Premier League 19.250
25 downward-facing red arrow (21) Poland Ekstraklasa 50.000
26 downward-facing red arrow (23) Azerbaijan Azerbaijan Premier League 19.000
27 downward-facing red arrow (18) Israel Israeli Premier League 18.625
28 Steady (24) Bulgaria Bulgarian First League 17.500

Finances

[edit]

Attendances

[edit]
Season
 Total attendance
 Number of
matches 		Average attendance
per match 		Ref
2001–02 187,929 171 1,099 [30]
2002–03
League was cancelled *
2003–04 195,840 144 1,360 [31]
2004–05 470,670 290 1,623 [31]
2005–06 183,365 169 1,085 [31]
2006–07 225,216 144 1,564 [31]
2007–08 277,667 169 1,643 [31]
2008–09 309,582 182 1,701 [31]
2009–10 340,522 172 1,979 [32]
2010–11 418,418 192 2,179 [32]
2011–12 433,342 192 2,256 [33]
2012–13 364,910 192 1,900 [34]
2013–14 281,400 175 1,608 [35]

* UEFA has suspended the league after longstanding conflict between the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan and the majority of the country's top-flight clubs.[36]

Sponsorship

[edit]

The UniBank, who had sponsored the league since 2009, did not renew their sponsorship at the end of the 2011–12 season.[37][38] Talks began with Topaz betting operator, and a deal was confirmed shortly afterwards.[39]

  • 2009–12: Unibank Premyer Liqası[40]
  • 2012–19: Topaz Premyer Liqası[41]

In August 2019, cooperation was suspended and PFL announced a new tender for sponsorship.[42][43]

As well as sponsorship for the league itself, the Premier League has a number of official partners and suppliers. The technical for the league is Nike who is providing their match ball for the season.[44]

Insolvency events

[edit]

Since the APL began, five of its member clubs have entered administration, while nearly twenty clubs liquidated.[45][46] A reduction in revenue from ticket sales for APL games and club merchandise impacted negatively on club expenditure. Players were asked to consider wage cuts and team squads were reduced.

A major criticism of the Premier League in the mid-2000s was the emergence of gulf between the Premier League and the First Division. Criticism of the gap between clubs has continued, nevertheless, due to some clubs' increasing ability to spend more than the other Premier League clubs. For some clubs, including Shamkir, Karvan, Absheron, MKT-Araz who have failed to win immediate promotion back to the top flight, financial problems, including in some cases administration or even liquidation have followed.

Media coverage

[edit]
Country Broadcaster
 Azerbaijan CBC Sport
 Austria
Laola1
 Georgia
 Germany
 Russia
  Switzerland
International Bet365
LTV Channel

Awards

[edit]

Trophy

[edit]

The current Azerbaijan Premier League trophy was developed by the Professional Football League of Azerbaijan and the trophy has been awarded to the champion of Azerbaijan since the end of the 2009–10 season, replacing the previous Premier League trophy that had existed for only few years.

Monthly and annual

[edit]

In addition to the winner's Trophy and the individual winner's medal players receive, Azerbaijan Premier League also awards the monthly Player of the Month award. Following the season, the awards such as the Player of the Year, Manager of the Year, and Young Player of the Year from Azerbaijan Premier League are handed out.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Ölkə futbolu qara geyinməyə hazırlaşır (Yazı)". Penalti.az (in Azerbaijani). Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 3 December 2011.
  2. ^ a b "Годы независимости. Успехи Нефтчи, Кяпаза, Шамкира, и французский позор". Azerisport.com. Retrieved 5 June 2011.
  3. ^ "İbrahimoviç Qurbanova çatdı". futbolplusqol.com (in Azerbaijani). Archived from the original on 9 October 2011. Retrieved 1 September 2011.
  4. ^ Walker, Paul. "Relief for Wales as Uefa lifts ban on Azerbaijan". Independent.co.uk. The Independent. Retrieved 1 September 2011.
  5. ^ Ibrahimov, Erkin. "Neftçi take title honours in Azerbaijan". UEFA. Retrieved 2 May 2011.
  6. ^ "Neftchi are Azerbaijani champions". News.az.
  7. ^ Чемпионский рецепт от Нефтчи. Azerisport.com (in Russian). Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  8. ^ Ibragimov, Erkin. "Neftçi take honours in Azerbaijan". UEFA. uefa.com. Retrieved 10 May 2012.
  9. ^ "Нефтчи" стал первым азербайджанским футбольным клубом, вышедшим в групповой этап еврокубков - ФОТО. 1news.az (in Russian). Archived from the original on 1 September 2012. Retrieved 30 August 2012.
  10. ^ "ARDICIL ÜÇÜNCÜ DƏFƏ ÇEMPİON "NEFTÇİ"!!!". fanat.az (in Azerbaijani). Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 14 May 2013.
  11. ^ "Three in a row for Azerbaijani champions Neftçi". uefa.com. UEFA. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
  12. ^ "Azerbaycan'da şampiyon Karabağ". www.milliyet.com.tr (in Turkish). Milliyet. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
  13. ^ "Карабах" выбил "Твенте" из Лиги Европы. www.sovsport.ru (in Russian). Retrieved 28 August 2014.
  14. ^ "Официально: Сезон 2019/20 завершен досрочно. Карабах - чемпион, Сумгаит впервые в истории попал в Еврокубки". azerifootball.com/ (in Russian). Azerifootball. 19 June 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  15. ^ "Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasının formatı dəyişdi". futbolpress.az (in Azerbaijani). 7 February 2012.
  16. ^ "Эльхан Мамедов: Планируем расширить АЗПЛ до 10-и команд, и надеемся увидеть там Кяпаз". azerisport.com (in Russian).
  17. ^ Azərbaycan Peşəkar Liqası (in Azerbaijani)
  18. ^ Azerbaijan 2001/02 Archived 3 March 2014 at the Wayback Machine
  19. ^ Azerbaijan 2002/03 Archived 3 March 2014 at the Wayback Machine
  20. ^ "AFFA 21 yaşla bağlı qərarı ləğv edir, bu dəfə Ramin Musayev Elxan Məmmədova qalib gəldi". sportinfo.az (in Azerbaijani). Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 19 May 2013.
  21. ^ a b Ekspress Newspaper (in Azerbaijani)
  22. ^ ""100-lər klubu" üçün het-trik". Football Plus Newspaper (in Azerbaijani). Retrieved 1 September 2011.[permanent dead link‍]
  23. ^ where player shot the most goals
  24. ^ "Azərbaycanda iki futbolçu "onluğ"a daxil oldu". www.sportinfo.az. Sportinfo. 8 July 2023. Retrieved 8 July 2023.
  25. ^ where player played the most games.
  26. ^ ПАС ИЗ-ЗА ГРАНИЦЫ. Sports Express Newspaper (in Russian). Retrieved 11 December 2011.
  27. ^ "Europe's youngest top-flight goalscorers". www.uefa.com. UEFA. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
  28. ^ "NBC is renamed". AFFA. 31 October 2008. Archived from the original on 23 April 2009. Retrieved 10 March 2009.
  29. ^ Country coefficients
  30. ^ Посещаемость чемпионата Азербайджана выросла на 22% (in Russian). Azerisport.com. Retrieved 23 November 2010.
  31. ^ a b c d e f "2003–04 Azerbaijan Top League" (in Croatian). Jutarnji list. 6 April 2010. p. 97.
  32. ^ a b "Attendance of Azerbaijan Premier League". Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 22 July 2011.
  33. ^ "Azerbaijani Premier League fourth in attendance in post-Soviet space". News.az. Retrieved 27 August 2013.
  34. ^ "18 turun azarkeş sayı – 214.470 nəfər". fanat.az (in Azerbaijani). Archived from the original on 15 January 2013. Retrieved 26 December 2012.
  35. ^ "Bakıda futbola maraq yoxdur: Lənkəranlılar hamıdan öndə". apasport.az (in Azerbaijani). Archived from the original on 27 December 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2013.
  36. ^ "Azerbaijan embargo ends". Uefa.com. UEFA. Archived from the original on 13 September 2012. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
  37. ^ Unibank стал главным спонсором профессиональной футбольной лиги Archived 28 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine (in Azerbaijani)
  38. ^ Азербайджанский «Unibank» стал официальным спонсором Премьер-лиги Archived 26 September 2009 at the Wayback Machine (in Azerbaijani)
  39. ^ ""Topaz" Premyer Liqanın yeni sponsoru oldu". Sportal.az (in Azerbaijani). Retrieved 26 August 2012.
  40. ^ "Unibank has become general sponsor of Professional Football League". Azerbaijan Business Center. 24 September 2009. Archived from the original on 3 October 2011. Retrieved 25 September 2009.
  41. ^ "Topaz и ПФЛ подписались на три совместных сезона". Azerisport.az. 19 September 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2012.
  42. ^ "ПФЛ пытается отомстить Topaz заключением контракта с другой букмекерской компанией. Но это незаконно". Azerifootball.com. 6 August 2019. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  43. ^ "PFL tender elan edir". Pfl.az. 6 August 2019. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  44. ^ "AFFA hər kluba 100 top verib" (in Azerbaijani). Retrieved 13 August 2018.
  45. ^ Распался клуб-участник азербайджанской Премьер-лиги. Trend.az (in Russian). 8 July 2008. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
  46. ^ "Futbolun vidalaşdıqları futbolla vidalaşa bilmir (Yazı)". korner.az (in Azerbaijani). Retrieved 15 May 2013.
[edit]
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