The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to several football leagues, with the most prominent being the UAE Pro League. Here is an overview of the UAE football league system:
- UAE Pro League: The UAE Pro League, also known as the Arabian Gulf League, is the top tier of professional football in the UAE. It was founded in 1973 and consists of 14 teams. The league operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the UAE First Division League. The current champions of the UAE Pro League are Sharjah FC.
- UAE First Division League: The UAE First Division League is the second-highest level of professional football in the UAE. It was founded in 1974 and consists of 12 teams. The winner of the league is promoted to the UAE Pro League, while the bottom two teams are relegated to the UAE Second Division League.
- UAE Second Division League: The UAE Second Division League is the third tier of professional football in the UAE. It was founded in 1974 and consists of 12 teams. The winner of the league is promoted to the UAE First Division League, while the bottom two teams are relegated to the UAE Third Division League.
- UAE Third Division League: The UAE Third Division League is the fourth tier of professional football in the UAE. It was founded in 2012 and consists of 12 teams. The winner of the league is promoted to the UAE Second Division League.
In addition to the above leagues, the UAE also has several cup competitions, including:
- UAE President’s Cup: The UAE President’s Cup is a knockout cup competition that is open to all teams in the UAE Pro League and the UAE First Division League.
- UAE League Cup: The UAE League Cup is a knockout cup competition that is open to all teams in the UAE Pro League.
- UAE Super Cup: The UAE Super Cup is a one-off match that is played between the winners of the UAE Pro League and the UAE President’s Cup.
Overall, the league system is a well-structured and competitive system that has helped develop the sport in the country. The leagues are home to some of the best players in the world and attract a significant following from fans both in the UAE and around the world.