Zimbabwe’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) has confirmed a sweeping restructuring plan that will reshape the top-flight landscape over the next two seasons, including the suspension of relegation in 2025 and a temporary expansion to 22 teams.
The decision follows a proposal from the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) to increase the number of PSL teams from 18 to 20 starting in 2026, while also laying the groundwork for a new National First Division League.
To accommodate the additional clubs promoted from lower divisions, the PSL convened an Extraordinary General Meeting this week to finalise its position.
In its statement, the league said it had reached a unanimous resolution: no club will be relegated at the end of the 2025 season.
Instead, four newly promoted sides will join the top division, creating a 22-team competition for one transitional year in 2026.
The expansion is being framed as part of a broader long-term restructuring of Zimbabwean football. After the 2026 season, the league will revert to the intended 20-team format in 2027.
The PSL also outlined a phased implementation plan for the National First Division League, which could become fully operational within three years.
The project is expected to bridge the competitive gap between the PSL and regional leagues, offering a more stable pathway for promotion and development.
While the league has not yet addressed fixture congestion or logistical challenges associated with a 22-team season, the overhaul marks one of the most significant shifts in domestic football in recent times.
It also follows rising public debate among supporters concerned about the integrity of competition and the impact on scheduling.
As it stands, the 2025 campaign will proceed with full relegation suspension, leaving teams free to rebuild without the pressure of the drop as preparations begin for what promises to be a demanding, high-volume 2026 season.
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