2025-26 PariMatch Premier League
UPL statement
last year - 12/13/2025 9:10 PM GMT-3
“Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed club officials, players, coaches, and fans of Ukrainian football,
Today is a historic day for our league. Over the past three seasons, since the return of full competition in 2024–25, the Ukrainian Premier League has not only recovered from the hardships of the war but has thrived. Attendances are up, competition is fierce, and our national football footprint has never been stronger.
It is with great pride that I announce that, starting from the 2027–28 season, the Ukrainian Premier League will expand from 18 to 20 teams. This expansion is a testament to the hard work of our clubs, the passion of our supporters, and the resilience of Ukrainian football itself.
To ensure a smooth transition, the 2026–27 season will feature a carefully designed promotion and relegation system:
Clubs finishing 17th and 18th in the UPL will be relegated automatically.
Clubs finishing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the Ukrainian First League will be promoted automatically.
Additionally, the club finishing 16th in the UPL will enter the promotion/relegation play-offs against the teams finishing 4th through 8th in the First League. The winner of these play-offs will secure the final spot in the expanded UPL.
This system ensures that competition remains intense, fair, and exciting until the very last game of the season. It rewards excellence in the First League while giving struggling top-flight clubs a fighting chance to retain their place.
Our goals are clear: expand national representation, strengthen our league, and continue the post-war revival of Ukrainian football. The 20-team UPL will provide more opportunities, more excitement, and a brighter future for clubs, players, and fans across the country.
We are committed to working closely with every club to ensure stadiums, finances, and infrastructure are fully prepared for this historic season. The new league structure will begin in August 2027, following the standard season calendar with a winter break and Ukrainian Cup weekends preserved.
Let us celebrate this milestone together — the largest, most competitive, and most inclusive Ukrainian Premier League in history is coming.
Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your commitment to the beautiful game in Ukraine!”
Today is a historic day for our league. Over the past three seasons, since the return of full competition in 2024–25, the Ukrainian Premier League has not only recovered from the hardships of the war but has thrived. Attendances are up, competition is fierce, and our national football footprint has never been stronger.
It is with great pride that I announce that, starting from the 2027–28 season, the Ukrainian Premier League will expand from 18 to 20 teams. This expansion is a testament to the hard work of our clubs, the passion of our supporters, and the resilience of Ukrainian football itself.
To ensure a smooth transition, the 2026–27 season will feature a carefully designed promotion and relegation system:
Clubs finishing 17th and 18th in the UPL will be relegated automatically.
Clubs finishing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the Ukrainian First League will be promoted automatically.
Additionally, the club finishing 16th in the UPL will enter the promotion/relegation play-offs against the teams finishing 4th through 8th in the First League. The winner of these play-offs will secure the final spot in the expanded UPL.
This system ensures that competition remains intense, fair, and exciting until the very last game of the season. It rewards excellence in the First League while giving struggling top-flight clubs a fighting chance to retain their place.
Our goals are clear: expand national representation, strengthen our league, and continue the post-war revival of Ukrainian football. The 20-team UPL will provide more opportunities, more excitement, and a brighter future for clubs, players, and fans across the country.
We are committed to working closely with every club to ensure stadiums, finances, and infrastructure are fully prepared for this historic season. The new league structure will begin in August 2027, following the standard season calendar with a winter break and Ukrainian Cup weekends preserved.
Let us celebrate this milestone together — the largest, most competitive, and most inclusive Ukrainian Premier League in history is coming.
Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your commitment to the beautiful game in Ukraine!”
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