Irish League increases in size
Wednesday, February 20, 2002
Article summary
The number of teams in the Irish League has increased for next season from ten to 12.
Article body
The Irish League has been given a facelift for next season with the number of the teams in the league expanding from ten to 12.
New format
The format from the start of the 2002/03 campaign in Northern Ireland will involve a split after 33 matches into two sections of six. Within these sections the teams will play each other once, with the top six contesting the championship and European places and the bottom six seeking to avoid relegation. The move will mean each club will play a total of 38 matches.
President comments
Irish League president Jim Semple said: "The majority of the clubs in the Premiership voted for it and agreed this was the best way forward for the coming season."