- 11:40
The curtain rises this Friday on the 66th edition of the Lebanese Football Championship. Twelve teams are set to compete, including two promoted sides: Al-Mabarra and Joya, making their debut in the top tier. With traditional favorites, ambitious outsiders and clubs facing financial struggles, the season promises to be long and fiercely contested.
Al-Ansar, the title holder and record holder with 15 championships, approaches the competition as the natural favorite. But its rivals are numerous. Nejmeh, who strengthened its squad thanks to investments from its new executive president Rami Bitar, arriving from Safa, presents itself as a serious contender. The Manara club enjoyed a flashy transfer window, notably signing international goalkeeper Moustafa Matar, Felix Melki, Khalil Khamis and several foreign recruits. At the helm, Tunisian Radhi Jaïdi brings his international experience.
Meanwhile, Al-Ahed, a reliable powerhouse always lurking in the background, remains equipped to aim for the podium. Attention must also be paid to Joya Sporting Club, an ambitious newly promoted side already dreaming big. Purchased last year through Bint Jbeil’s license and crowned D2 champions, the club is soon inaugurating its own stadium and relies on strong investors. With heavy-hitting signings such as icon Hassan Maatouk, a former Ansar player, and goalkeeper Ali Sabeh from Al-Ahed, the southern club presents itself as the ideal dark horse in the top tier.
Between Tradition and Survival
Behind these four powerhouses, several clubs hope to finish in the top six of the Championship Round: La Sagesse Beirut, Al-Tadamon Sour, Shabab Sahel and Safa, all seeking continuity. Meanwhile, Racing and Al-Bourj carry financial burdens and will have to fight to avoid relegation. The crisis is such that the Ministry of Youth and Sports appointed a temporary commission to supervise Racing due to the absence of a board of directors.
As for Al-Mabarra, back in the top flight, and Riyadi Abbassiyé, now in their second consecutive season in the first division, they will try to hold their own with limited resources but a strong desire to shake up the hierarchy.
Stadiums Ready to Roar
Matches will take place across a mosaic of venues: Rashid Karami Stadium in Tripoli, hosting the opening clash Ansar–Nejmeh on Sunday; Fouad Chehab Complex in Jounieh, scene of the Achrafieh derby between La Sagesse and Racing on Saturday; Safa Stadium in Wata el-Mseitbeh; Bhamdoun Municipal Stadium; Abbas Nasser Stadium in Abbassiyé; Ahed’s ground on the airport road; Tyre Municipal Stadium; and possibly Camille Chamoun Stadium if its natural pitch is ready in time.
A Multi-Layered Season
The format remains unchanged: a full first round, followed by two separate groups – the Championship Round for the title and the Relegation Round for survival. Endurance, squad depth and foreign player management will likely make the difference.
The 66th championship opens with promises of excitement. Between the defending champion, ambitious promoted sides and top clubs seeking revenge, the season promises to be long, thrilling… and perhaps historic.
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