
The Lebanese league for the 2024-2025 season kicks off on September 18th, and the upcoming championship faces a number of challenges that could affect the competition's progress and success. The new season will consist of 32 matches per team, divided into home and away fixtures followed by a final six-team playoff, presenting numerous challenges for both clubs and organizers.
Stadium challenges
One of the biggest challenges facing the Lebanese league is the limited number of available stadiums. Suitable venues are confined to a few locations, such as Jounieh and Bhamdoun, in addition to two in the north (Tripoli and Zgharta) and one in the south, the use of which is uncertain given the current situation. It's also worth noting that the current season has no teams representing the north in the first division, which could further complicate the scheduling of matches and reduce the options available to clubs and fans.
Financial and logistical burdens
Financial and logistical burdens are among the major challenges facing clubs. With the extended league season, financial pressures on clubs increase, as their management struggles to secure the necessary funding to cover all expenses. Many clubs suffer from a lack of funding, which weakens their ability to meet the needs of players and sports facilities, thus impacting the team's overall performance.
Player fatigue and injuries
The length of the league season and the impact of international breaks contribute to player fatigue and increase the likelihood of injuries. The artificial turf that is frequently used also exacerbates players' physical problems, potentially impacting their performance and leading to recurring injuries. This necessitates that teams improve their fitness management and training strategies to maintain player performance levels.
Foreign players' contracts
Foreign players' contracts are often disproportionate to the length of the league season, with many contracts expiring before the end of the previous season. This problem requires clubs to take measures to ensure the continued presence of foreign players throughout the entire season, in order to avoid any negative impact on performance.
Security and economic situation
The security and economic impacts on match organization cannot be ignored. The security situation may lead to matches being played behind closed doors or even postponed, which undoubtedly harms both the fan experience and the financial standing of the clubs. The volatile economic climate, in turn, affects the clubs' ability to adapt to changes, adding another layer of challenges to the already considerable difficulties they face.
With all these challenges, the question remains: Will the Lebanese League for the 2024-2025 season be able to overcome these obstacles and reach safety? Time will tell, but it is certain that all concerned parties need to join forces and overcome difficulties to ensure the success and continuity of the championship.