Mumbai Premier League returns with revamped format and 18 teams for 2024-25 Season

by Chittu Shetty October 12, 2024

The 2024-25 season will mark the 112th edition of the Mumbai’s top-tier football league – Mumbai Premier League under the MFA, representing the fifth tier of the Indian football league system.

The new season of Mumbai Football brings with it a fresh format and increased competition, as 18 teams from across the city battle it out for supremacy on the field.

Recap of the Previous Season

The 2023-24 season witnessed fierce competition among 16 teams. The earlier part of the season saw Millat FC in great vein of form as they held the top spot for significant period of time before losing steam in the final leg of the competition. At the other end, newly formed MYJ-GMSC kept the pace well with the league going unbeaten though out the campaign to emerge as the champions. Maharashtra Oranje FC secured the runners-up position, and Hope United-KSA finished third.

MH Oranje FC boasted the finest attacking unit in the league, with players like Sanchit Singh and Aimar Adams leading the charge to score a staggering 50 goals in just 15 games. At the other end, MYJ-GMSC’s defense was impenetrable, conceding only 9 goals throughout their campaign, embodying the adage, ‘attack wins matches, defense wins championships.’

New entrants

The upcoming season promises to be even more thrilling, with the inclusion of some of the most formidable teams in the region. This season introduces newly merged teams, historic clubs, and three promoted teams from the Mumbai Super League.

Headlines are already buzzing with the return of Mumbai City FC, the reigning champions of the Mumbai Super League, making their long-awaited comeback to the MPL after a suspension in 2019. For the players, it will be a fresh yet strong challenge. The young Islanders recently faced ISL giants Kerala Blasters and Punjab FC, and these strong matchups will help the Islanders compete with full strength in their comeback season.

On the other side of the spectrum, IOT FC’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. In just four seasons, they have climbed from the MFA Third Division, the lowest tier in Mumbai football, to the top-tier Mumbai Premier League. Their rapid ascent has captured the imagination of football enthusiasts across the city.

Bombay Gymkhana will also be returning to the Mumbai Premier League after finishing third in the Mumbai Super League last season.

Group Draw

The MPL is divided into two groups, each packed with teams hungry for success. Group A houses the defending champions MYJ-GMSC, who will be looking to defend their title with the same grit and discipline that saw them through last season. Meanwhile, Group B has the runner-ups MH Oranje FC, the top scorers from the previous season, ready to lead the charge from upfront and looking to get back into National League.

Format

• The teams are divided into two groups: A and B.
• The top five teams from each group will advance to the Championship Playoff Round.
• The bottom four teams from each group will enter the Relegation Playoff Round.
• Both playoff rounds will follow a straight league format.
• The bottom four teams in the Relegation Playoff Round will be relegated to the Mumbai Super League.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.