Saturday 7 May 2022

The last round of the Lebanese Premier League was postponed due to general elections

The last round of the Lebanese Premier League was scheduled on Thursday, 5 May 2022. It was however postponed in the last minute for security reasons, due to the upcoming general elections, taking place on 15 May 2022. Initially, the matches were supposed to be played behind close doors, without an audience. On the day of the matches, nevertheless, the situation was probably considered as too dangerous anyway, and the matches were postponed, despite the fact that the teams were already at the stadiums and ready to play.

The reasons may be various, but it is well-known that there is a very tight link between political parties and the football clubs in Lebanon. The last round would have provided the final table of the 2021-2022 season, and (this is just a speculation) some of the results may have been different from the ones that the politicians have promised. The situation at the top of the league would have not changed, as Al Ahed are already champions. However, in the bottom part of the table, three teams are fighting to avoid the second relegation spot: Hikma / La Sagesse, Safa and Al Akhaa Al Ahly Aley. AC Sporting Beirut are already relegated, in the last place.

The Lebanese Football Association will probably compensate the clubs for the money spent in organizing the matches or for the transport and accommodation, in the case of the away teams.

There is yet no decision taken regarding the date of the last round. It cannot possibly be before the 15th of May, the day of the general elections. Then, it may be scheduled between 15 and 25 May, but without the matches of Ansar and Nejmeh, which will take part in the AFC Cup. All matches can only be scheduled after 25 May, when Ansar and Nejmeh will return from the AFC Cup.

No comments:

Post a Comment