KAMPALA – The Big League – Federation of Uganda Football Associations –Fufa’s second tier competition will have the number of teams reduced to 12 for the in the 2021/22 season.
Fufa Communications Director, Ahmed Hussein said on Thursday that the changes were a result of the failure to stage the regional leagues this outgoing season due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since its inception, the Big League has comprised 16 teams, divided in an even number under the Rwenzori and Elgon groups – where each top side earns a direct promotion into the Premier League.
Already, Arua Hill and Tooro United earned direct promotions to play in the Premier League next season as Mbale, Heroes, Paidha Black Angels, Kigezi Home Boys and Terrazzo and Tiles were demoted to the lower division.
Consequently, four teams – including Gadaffi FC, Nyamityobora FC, Blacks Power and Proline FC will compete in a play-off to determine the third another qualifier for the next season’s Uganda Premir League.
“Twelve teams will play in the 2021/22 Fufa Big League season. The format of play will be communicated. Four teams have been relegated from the Big League,” Hussein wrote in a confirmation message on Thursday.
The 2020/21 season of Fufa Regional Leagues were cancelled before kickoff due to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Consequently, no team was promoted to the Big League.
Fufa early this week declared Express FC champions of the 2020/21 season, citing Article 16 of the Competitions Rules – the Red Eagles will subsequently represent the country in the Caf Champions League as URA FC, who were handed the right to play in the continental Confederation Cup after emerging second behind Express.
Vipers, who emerged third won the 2019/20 league under a similar situation.
