Structural change in Switzerland

The Swiss Football League will go ahead with plans to change the format of the top two divisions for next season, it said on Friday.

Reduced top flight
"The top division, formerly called the Nationalliga A, will now be called the 'Super League' and will contain ten sides instead of 12 with the teams playing each other four times," said league director Edmond Isoz.

'Challenge League'
"The Nationalliga B will be called the 'Challenge League' and its 16 teams will play in UEFA Cup style two-legged ties, with points awarded for draws, wins and aggregate wins over the two ties."

Courting popularity
The proposals are aimed at making football more appealing to supporters and sponsors. Isoz added that the changes, agreed at a general assembly in Berne, would address the problem that has seen sports such as handball and ice hockey rival football for popularity. One cosmetic change includes new logos for the leagues.

'Long-term marketing plan'
"This is the end of a long-term marketing plan which will look to bring more money into Swiss football because we have been really struggling," he said. "The reduction of teams in the top league will make it more attractive to supporters whereas the 'Challenge League' will seek to promote the game among the younger players."

Crowd control
Another change for next season will see the away teams at league fixtures share responsibility for crowd behaviour with the home side. Visiting sides will be responsible for the behaviour of their fans and could be sanctioned in the event of crowd trouble.