Austrian bundesliga new format
The Austrian Bundesliga, also known as the Tipico Bundesliga, is the top division of Austrian football. In 2020, the league underwent a significant format change, which was implemented for the 2020-21 season. Here are the key changes:
New Format:
- 18-team league: The Bundesliga now features 18 teams, up from 10 teams in the previous format.
- Two relegation spots: The bottom two teams in the league table are relegated to the second division, the Austrian Football Second League (2. Liga).
- Promotion and relegation: The top two teams in the 2. Liga are promoted to the Bundesliga, while the bottom two teams in the Bundesliga are relegated to the 2. Liga.
- Playoff system: The teams finishing 9th to 16th in the Bundesliga table participate in a playoff system to determine the 16th-placed team in the league table. The playoff system consists of two rounds:
- Round 1: 9th-placed team vs. 16th-placed team (winner advances to Round 2)
- Round 2: Winner of Round 1 vs. 14th-placed team (winner earns a spot in the following season's Bundesliga)
- Relegation playoffs: The teams finishing 3rd to 6th in the 2. Liga table participate in a relegation playoff system to determine the 16th-placed team in the Bundesliga table. The playoff system consists of two rounds:
- Round 1: 3rd-placed team vs. 6th-placed team (winner advances to Round 2)
- Round 2: Winner of Round 1 vs. 4th-placed team (winner earns a spot in the following season's Bundesliga)
Rationale behind the changes:
The new format aims to increase the competitiveness and excitement of the league, while also providing more opportunities for teams to gain promotion and avoid relegation. The expanded league size and playoff system are designed to:
- Increase the number of matches played, providing more opportunities for teams to earn points and create a more competitive atmosphere.
- Provide more opportunities for teams to gain promotion and avoid relegation, reducing the risk of relegation and increasing the chances of teams to stay in the top division.
- Create more excitement and unpredictability, as teams can still earn promotion or avoid relegation even if they finish outside the top two or bottom two positions.
Overall, the new format aims to create a more dynamic and competitive Austrian Bundesliga, with more opportunities for teams to succeed and more excitement for fans.