A-Division (Bhutan)
 |
|
| Country |
 Bhutan
|
|---|---|
| Confederation | AFC |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Number of teams | 6 |
| Level on pyramid | 1 |
| Relegation to | B-Division |
| Current champions |
Thimphu City (2016) |
| Most championships | Druk Pol FC (8 titles) |
 2016
|
|
The Thimphu Premier League (Yanmar Thimphu Premier League for sponsorship reasons), previously known as the Bhutan A-Division was until 2012 the top division of football in Bhutan, but has been surpassed by the Bhutan National League. The A-Division continues to exist as essentially a qualifying tournament for the National League, there being no direct promotion and relegation between the two leagues at the end of a given season, although it operates as the top league in a separate three-tier pyramid system for clubs playing in and around Thimphu.
The Thimphu League has taken a number of formats during its history. Initially, the competition was held as a single round-robin group of matches, with all games being held at the national stadium, Changlimithang. In 2001, the format of football played was very similar to the current set up, with a Thimpu league (including a team from Paro) taking part in a qualifying contest to join other teams from different Dzongkhags for a genuine national league. However, the main focus of the league has been on Thimpu-based teams.
By 2005, the league had settled into its current format, namely a home and away set of round robin matches (although with all games played at Changlimithang, the notion of "home" and "away" is moot). Three points are gained for a win and one for a draw with no points for a loss. The team with the highest number of points is declared the champion. If two teams finish on equal points then goal difference is used to determine the winner, with goals scored being the next criterion considered if goal difference cannot separate the teams. The top four teams currently (although it was previously only the top three) qualify for that season's Bhutan National League. There is no promotion or relegation between the Thimphu League and the National League and neither does strong performance in one edition of the National League ensure competition the next season.
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