Country | United Arab Emirates |
---|---|
Confederation | AFC |
Founded | 1973 |
Number of teams | 14 |
Level on pyramid | 1 |
Relegation to | First Division |
Domestic cup(s) |
President's Cup UAE League Cup Arabian Gulf Super Cup |
International cup(s) | AFC Champions League |
Current champions |
Al-Ahli (7 titles) (2015–16) |
Most championships | Al-Ain (12 titles) |
TV partners | Abu Dhabi Sports, Dubai Sports |
Website | www.agleague.ae |
2016–17 season |
The Arabian Gulf League is the top professional football league in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The first team to win the title was Al-Sharjah, whilst Al-Ain has the record with 12 league titles to their name. Fourteen clubs compete in the League that operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the UAE First Division.
The League was founded in 1973 as the UAE Football League. The first 1973–74 season was a "trial" championship but was declared official by the UAE FA in 2001. In February 2007, the Pro League Committee was formed, and became the organizing body of the League.
Starting from the 2013–14 season the name was changed to UAE Arabian Gulf League after a 70 million AED one-year renewable partnership deal with Arabian Gulf Development to be named Official Title Partner, however, the name change has been viewed as a revival of the Persian Gulf naming dispute with Iran accusing the United Arab Emirates of racism, and the Iranian Football Federation barring the transfer of Javad Nekounam to a UAE club.
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Notes
1. Al-Sharjah won its first championship in 1973–74 as Al-Oroba.
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