Fixtures

DateRHome vs Away-
03/29 12:30 28 FK Gabala vs Neftchi Baku View
03/29 15:00 28 FK Kapaz vs FK Qarabag View
03/30 12:30 28 Sabail FC vs PFK Turan Tovuz View
03/30 15:00 28 Sabah vs Zira IK View
03/31 14:00 28 FK Sumqayit vs Araz FK View
04/05 12:30 29 Araz FK vs FK Kapaz View
04/05 12:30 29 FK Qarabag vs Sabail FC View
04/05 12:30 29 PFK Turan Tovuz vs Sabah View
04/05 12:30 29 Zira IK vs FK Gabala View
04/05 12:30 29 Neftchi Baku vs FK Sumqayit View
04/12 12:30 30 Neftchi Baku vs Araz FK View
04/12 12:30 30 FK Sumqayit vs Zira IK View

Results

Date R Home vs Away -
03/17 15:00 27 [4] FK Sumqayit vs Sabah [5] 1-2
03/17 12:00 27 [7] PFK Turan Tovuz vs FK Qarabag [1] 1-3
03/16 14:30 27 [8] Araz FK vs FK Qabala [10] 1-1
03/16 12:00 27 [6] Zira IK vs FK Kapaz [9] 2-1
03/15 15:00 27 [4] Neftchi Baku vs Sabail FC [5] 3-0
03/10 14:00 26 [1] FK Qarabag vs Zira IK [6] 3-1
03/10 11:30 26 [7] PFK Turan Tovuz vs Araz FK [8] 2-0
03/09 13:30 26 [6] Sabah vs FK Qabala [10] 2-1
03/09 11:00 26 [9] FK Kapaz vs Neftchi Baku [5] 3-3
03/08 15:00 26 [2] Sabail FC vs FK Sumqayit [5] 0-1
03/03 15:00 25 [3] Neftchi Baku vs FK Qarabag [1] 1-4
03/03 12:00 25 [10] FK Qabala vs Sabail FC [6] 2-3

The Azerbaijan Premier League (Azerbaijani: Azərbaycan Premyer Liqası) is the top Azerbaijani professional league for men's association football teams. It is contested by 10 clubs. Seasons run from August to May, with teams playing 36 matches each (playing each team in the league four times, twice at home and twice away). The Premier League champion secures the right to play in UEFA Champions League first qualifying round. The runner up and the 3rd place winner secure right to play in UEFA Europa Conference League starting in second qualifying round.

Since 1992, a total of 8 clubs have been crowned champions of the Azerbaijani football system. The Azerbaijan Premier League was first organized in 2007 and succeeded the Top Division (Azerbaijani: Yüksək Liqa), which existed from 1992 to 2007. The current champions are Qarabağ, who won the title in the 2022–23 season for the tenth time.

History

The 1990s

The league was dominated by teams like Neftçi, Kapaz, Turan Tovuz and Shamkir. However, financial struggles had bad impact on local clubs and most teams such as Khazri Buzovna, Shamkir, Vilash Masalli and Shafa Baku went bust due increasing debts. In 1997, Kapaz were known for their unbeaten run as club's final record for the 1997–98 league campaign stood at 22 wins, 4 draws and 0 losses, out of 26 games total, an unbeaten run not matched in any single season by any team in an Azerbaijani league division.

The 2000s

As league entered a new century, the Neftçi found themselves facing new challengers. They were challenged by emerging Khazar Lankaran, Inter Baku and Baku in both competitions. The country's football received major blow in 2002, when UEFA imposed a two-year ban in response to a long-standing conflict between the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan and majority of the country's top flight clubs. The domestic championship was abandoned as a result of the conflict and the top clubs prevented their players from playing for the national team, with tax officials also probing allegations of fraud at the Azerbaijan federation. Under the management of Agaselim Mirjavadov, Khazar Lankaran finished as Azerbaijan Cup winners in 2006 and 2007, while becoming league champions in 2006–07 despite losing the title to Neftçi in 2004–05 during Championship play-off. Qarabağ was the first ever team from Azerbaijan to reach UEFA Europa League play off-round during the seasons 2009–10 and 2010–11. Few gave chances for qualification to the next round, although the Aghdam side caused quite a stir against favorites Rosenborg, Honka, Twente and Wisła Kraków.

The 2010s

Azerbaijan Premier League 2011–12 trophy

The 2010s brought a bright start, with Neftçi emerged as a champion after six years of unsuccessful run. In the next season, Neftçi repeated its domestic success after sealing their seventh title in club's history. In that year, Neftçi Baku became the first Azerbaijani team which advanced to group stage of a European competition. In 2012–13 season, Neftçi managed to win three titles in a row. In 2013–14 season, Qarabağ managed to win its 2nd title after 21 years, and continue to win domestic title consecutively. In 2014, Qarabağ became the second and most successful Azerbaijani team which advanced to group stage of a European competition. After consecutive participation in Europa League, in 2017, Qarabağ became the first Azerbaijani team which advanced to group stage of a Champions League.

On 19 June 2020, the AFFA announced that the 2019–20 was officially ended without the resumption of the remains matches due to the escalating situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in Azerbaijan. As a result, Qarabağ were crowned champions for the seventh season in a row, whilst also qualifying for the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League, with Neftçi, Keşla and Sumgayit qualifying for the 2020–21 UEFA Europa League.

The Azerbaijan Premier League is the top professional soccer league in Azerbaijan. It is a highly competitive tournament that showcases the best talent in the country and attracts a large following of passionate soccer fans.

The league consists of 10 teams that compete against each other in a round-robin format, with each team playing a total of 36 matches throughout the season. The teams battle it out on the field, displaying their skills, tactics, and determination to secure victory and climb up the league table.

The tournament features some of the most historic and successful clubs in Azerbaijan, such as Qarabag FK, Neftchi Baku, and Gabala FC. These teams have a rich history and a strong fan base, creating an electric atmosphere during matches.

The Azerbaijan Premier League is known for its fast-paced and exciting style of play, with teams showcasing their technical abilities, tactical prowess, and physicality. The matches are often filled with thrilling moments, intense rivalries, and dramatic comebacks, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

The league also serves as a platform for young and talented players to showcase their skills and catch the attention of scouts from bigger clubs around the world. Many players who have excelled in the Azerbaijan Premier League have gone on to have successful careers in top European leagues.

The tournament is not only popular within Azerbaijan but also attracts international attention, with fans from around the world following the matches and supporting their favorite teams. The league has gained recognition for its competitiveness and the quality of football played, making it an exciting spectacle for both local and international viewers.

Overall, the Azerbaijan Premier League is a thrilling and highly competitive soccer tournament that showcases the best of Azerbaijani football. With its passionate fans, talented players, and exciting matches, it continues to grow in popularity and cement its place as one of the top leagues in the region.