Prelude
When the proposal was first raised at the Extraordinary General Meeting between the 106 member clubs of the Poafmersian Football Association, many clubs were shocked at the proposal. Yet, the proposal garnered lots of support from various clubs. Some were semi-professional clubs. Others were clubs moving between the top and second tier, like Madaris United, Honas FC, Pacifica. Even both Holhot clubs are in full support. And the clubs that tabled the proposal weren't any of the big clubs. It was some of the clubs that might not even remain in the top tier after the transition - Trimidau Naksa, together with recently relegated Cochin FC and Armed Forces FC.
One look and you will understand why it looks very attractive. A decrease in the size of the leagues at the national level, but in exchange, higher share of the broadcasting revenue for clubs in the 2nd and 3rd tier. Less matchdays, which, according to Trimidau Naksa's chairman Peter Shiru, "will make the top tier of football in Poafmersia more exciting, while reducing stress on clubs in the IFCF." He isn't wrong. All the clubs that are in the IFCF, trying to contend for the spots of IFCF, or even IFCF-wannabes like Fiskadaha FC, Mancodas Athletic FC, FC United of Mancodas, were very happy with the proposal. Less matchdays, more exciting battles, less "boring" matchups. Even though the revenue from broadcasting will decrease in the short run, it may actually attract even more broadcasters internationally. And it may be the difference to push the PFFL higher in the multiverse, in the IFCF rankings.
The bigger semi-professional clubs can gear towards being professional. The smaller semi-professional clubs might find fun playing slightly lower with similar-level clubs. Also, there will be a new tier 6 and tier 7 that is going to shake things up. A conference-based system that isn't locked by geography. A path for smaller teams that may be at amaetur levels to move up to playing football at the federal level. Even if the tier 6 and tier 7 will be very savage in terms of promotion and relegation, but it gives teams a lifeline to move up the ladder.
The proposal will be debated, adjusted and then sent for voting. Two-thirds of the voting members would be required, as the proposal involves a change in membership rules. Previously, being at the top 5 tiers will grant membership with voting powers. Now it is extended to teams who have been in tier 6 and above for at least 2 seasons. Chances are that it will pass, due to all the benefits it brings. There are benefits for the teams competing in the IFCF (shorter domestic season) or wanting to compete in the IFCF (more competition would allow higher chance for the top teams to slip more often). There are benefits to teams currently in NL1 who are stuck with a group of non-professional clubs (a league of professional clubs would increase overall capabilities of the entire league). Even for the mid-tier clubs currently struggling between the top of the NL1, the SL, and the bottom of the PL, they now have the revenue they need to improve their infrastructure and training. Of course, the clubs in the respective state leagues will be pleased to see any of these changes pass, as this provides the pathway to theoretically climb into the more organised federal league and eventually, make their way up if they show the potential.
The clubs will be sorted down from A to Z. Due to the uncertainty with regards to the number of relegated clubs, owing to the proposed changes that are being debated as of writing, we have added a new category "Typically safe, but at risk this season" for this group of players who might get relegated if the number of spots increase. Of course, if the number of spots decrease, then such a concern would be unfancied. But you can consider them as below the teams belonging to the "sandwich class survivors".
The categories we will be using are as follows:
- "Title contenders" (The cream of the crop, the teams expected to run for the top spot.)
- "IFCF candidates" (They may not have the title-reachinf capabilities, but are well able to put themselves slightly behind and contest at least a top 5 spot.)
- "Banana Peels" (Teams who are also chasing for the top 5, but are less likely to reach there. They, however, pose strong challenges to the teams that they play, whether it is the title contenders or the relegation candidates)
- "Sandwich class Survivors" (Bound to stay in the Premier League baring a huge cut in the number of teams, they are definitely safe from relegation. However, while they have the ability to get a decent 10th place or so, they are unlikely to hit a very high spot.)
- "Typically safe, but at risk this season" (A special group of teams who hover between 13th and 16th. Because we have no clue how many teams are relegated just yet, these teams will be classified here in case there are some more candidates to battle on.)
- "Relegation candidates" (Teams that may find it difficult to adapt to the Premier League, and remains at risk of dropping.)
Name: Armed Forces FC
Stadium Location: Warriors Stadia (cap. 38,000), Jackinson, Tikahs
Last season position: 18th in PL (won Playoffs)
Expected Starting 11 (3-4-1-2): Severina Mateev (GK, 31, Captain); Erin Vance (CB, 24), Eli McArthur (CB/DM, 25), Julia Wagner (CB, 29); Rosario Mclaughlin (LDM/LB, 25), Terezia Campos (DM/CM, 27), Néstor Schuchard (DM/CM, 22), Lonny Brooks (RDM/RB, 24); Stegaj Johnatson (CM/AM, 29 - NT Pool); Azaziah Paget (CF, 28), Helena Murrough (CF, 31 - BRE)
Key Substitutes: Hugo Wortham (ACM, 20)
Manager: Heinrike Hahn
Armed Forces FC was set up as a team for members of the uniformed forces and their family. Nowadays, however, it has gradually opened up its criteria to welcome more players. The club does have some very athletic players, playing a deep defensive strategy that would sit deep to wait for opponents to overcommit before rushing at them with fast counter-attack strategies. Their players are typically extremely fit and run real quick, and it is no surprise considering that a number of their players have backgrounds in the uniformed services.
This season, they might have a problem of survival. Having barely survived last cycle by winning a playoff against Jottim FC, this season might present with it a series of problems considering that their team hasn't really improved. Not to mention that there may be lots of teams relegated this cycle. Helena Murrough, the Brenecian striker, may be able to help the team grab goals, but as seen last season, one long injury season, and the team will have issues.
Club Category: Relegation Candidates
Name: Bikarish
Stadium Location: Bikarish Stadium (cap. 48,000), Bikarish, Nitrishi-pai
Last season position: 2nd
Expected Starting 11 (4-4-2): Marseille Alexander (GK, 26 - CMT); Nasri Sanchez (CB/LB/LM, 25), Danzik Hoboson (CB, 34 - Captain, NT Player), Pasits Rikachz (CB, 33 - NT Player), Clement Nestor (RB, 30 - BRE); Marshall Barry (LM, 24 - TJU), Vladimír Brune (CM/DCM, 32), Chen Xiwei (CM, 28 - YZH), Jackson Lydia (RM/LM, 26); Leela Duško (CF, 32), Arden Lemons (CF, 32 - COS)
Key Substitutes: Kildoge Fenuskal (LB, 30 - TIO), Nico Aquinio (CB, 26 - TJU), Quintin Gross (LM/LB, 22), Kato Bourke (CM, 24), Danill Trasa (RM, 35 - Former NT Player), Monesty Erdos (RW/RM, 24 - NT Player)
Manager: Taik Wondos
Having a change in team tactics really made the difference. Last season could be considered as a real success for manager Taik Wondos, who was almost on the verge of being sacked just barely a season ago. The recovery of form for national team captain Hoboson and his partner Rikachz has also improved the club's defence options. The club have also been actively looking at the graduates of the academy teams, and also looked abroad to consider various options. Some of the newcomers, such as Chen Xiwei (from Yuezhou) and Mandi Hartell (on loan from Dalaris City) are able to give the team the depth it needs for a nice run at the title. The team isn't short of options everywhere, and possibly can survive any injuries to the first team players. The numerous alternative formations they can play (4-3-3, 3-4-3 are formations we have seen the team use) Surely the team is much more prepared to contest the Premier League title, even though we still have to figure out the effect of the IFCF and the FFI on their performance.
Club Category: Title contenders
Name: Dalaris City
Stadium Location: Dalaris State Stadium (cap. 46,500), City of Dalaris, Dalaris
Last season position: 1st
Expected Starting 11 (3-4-3): Christine Faits (GK, 28 - Captain); Nukam Poir (CB, 27 - TIO), Ruedi Rojas (CB, 27), Tanja Rider (CB/DM, 28); Seward Adrichem (LM/LW, 28), Daas Taisg (CM/AM, 30 - NT Player), Arnold Shwentin (CM, 26 - NT Player), Vijay Palalele (RM, 26 - TJU), Aleka Dufour (CF, 23 - NT Player), Kirsti Nieminen (CF/AM/CM, 22), Makana Tuft (CF, 24 - NT Player)
Key Substitutes: Nicole Potts (GK, 21 - NT Player), Ashley Dogh (LM, 20), October MacLucas (CM, 18 - AUD), Nakamura (RDM/RM/DM, 28 - HTK), Willis Kline (CF, 26 - GRU), Gasti Hans (AM/CF, 26), Wilford Lang (DM/CM, 29)
Manager: Mansi Kandero
Having won the Premier League for 3 consecutive seasons, the club has been seen as the team to beat for many other clubs. And yet, Dalaris City has not been slacking. They are starting to reap the benefits of an academy, with its first group of graduates such as Nicole Potts and Ashley Dogh coming to the senior team. They have also continued their strong scouting system, recruiting potential young talents and ensuring that the club maintains the dedicate balance of having experienced players and younger talents. Difficult to rule them out once again for the title.
Club Category: Title contenders
Name: Dalaris Sports FC
Stadium Location: Sporting Dalaris Stadium (cap 37,120), City of Dalaris, Dalaris
Last season position: 15th
Expected Starting 11 (4-1-2-1-2): Gioachino Krebs (GK, 26); Ariel Casey (LB/RB, 22 - NT Pool), Byrne McLain (CB, 30), Vancho Masterson (CB, 27), Viktor Bruhn (RB, 31); Milojica Estévez (CM/DM, 25); Dotty Belloni (LM, 28), Amethyst McAdams (RM, 28); Helvia Van de Hout (CM/AM, 29 - Captain); Chandler Schwenke (CF/RW, 31), Gael Marlowe (CF/LW, 31)
Key Substitutes: Hirah Ojeda (CF, 27); Bridgett Elliott (CF/RW, 20)
Manager: Jacob Jytiaria
The smaller club in Dalaris, the club has its roots in breeding players from the city and the outskirt areas. They do not have the financial power, yet have been able to produce some results including promotion and last season's surprise survival. This time, the club looks much better. An overhaul of the recruitment policy saw the club do much better this transfer window. They have the potential for another Premier League season, but maybe just barely.
Club Category: Typically safe, but at risk this season
Name: Didari City
Stadium Location: Stadium of Legends (cap. 34,000), Didari, Forche
Last season position: 1st in SL
Expected Starting 11 (4-4-2): Nehemiah Hertz (GK, 26); Ilona Carman (LB/DM/LM, 30), Mandy Gibson (CB, 34 - Captain), Shirou Lindholm (CB, 31), Wayne Simpson (RB, 22); Christin Draper (LM/CM, 26), Paula Costanzo (CM, 22), Rišo Mazza (CM, 23), Oscar Garrett (RM/CM, 24); Hayley Montague (CF/ACM, 28), Valeriy Kuiper (CF, 29)
Key Substitutes: Puja Nakano (CM, 20)
Manager: Dracina Gash
Winning the Super League to gain promotion, they have done very well last season, but in the Premier League, they probably have a bit to catch up. Captain Mandy Gibson was a former NT pool player when the National Team was first formed, but the manager Adnan Suliaha didn't think Mandy was that good especially as more players popped out of the surface. There is also a former U21 player Wayne Simpson, but Wayne wasn't selected for the national team at all. Maybe the team has a bit of potential here and there, but they would have to work hard to survive.
Club Category: Relegation Candidates
Name: Dury FC
Stadium Location: Matty Horis Stadium (cap. 52,000), Dury, Gikash
Last season position: 3rd
Expected Starting 11 (4-1-2-1-2): Kresp-Japil Cuf (GK, 25 - QUS); Mona Samson (LB, 26), Alex Hoboson (CB, 28 - Captain, NT Player), Angel Ingram (CB/DM, 22), Natalia Abbott (RB/DM, 22 - NT Player); Wang Wei (DM, 24 - YZH); Dawn Gilleran (LM, 35 - APX), Josef Gentry (RM/RB, 25 - NT Pool); Sara Muraro (CM/AM, 30); Isabella Coste (LW/RW/SS, 26 - SVG), Hansel Tang (CF/LW/SS, 30 - NT Player)
Key Substitutes: Felix Austin (CB, 21 - MUR), Jessie Mchargarita (RM, 35 - NT Player), Alexis Dazin (CF, 27 - NT Pool), Esmond Moore (CF, 27 - NPH)
Manager: Sadi That
Getting hold of Hansel Tang as she returns from her stint in Ko-oren was the biggest talk of the ton, and Sadi That was must really be thinking whether Dury can take the title this time. I am not going to deny their potential, because they have quite a bit of transfer activity that was particularly nice. Wang Wei, from Yuezhou, is a nice fit in the team who is slowly trying to turn themselves into a more possession-based team, and a boost in the defence department would definitely help. The number of options up front has also given Sadi That a nice number of options, whether it is to move Coste and Tang wide to allow Dazin or Moore to play up front, or to play 3-4-3 with a bunch of centerback options. The club has the ability to challenge Dalaris City (or Bikarish) with the front line boost.
Club Category: Title contenders
Name: FC United of Mancodas
Stadium Location: United Park (cap. 61,000), Greater Mancodas, Cochas
Last season position: 7th
Expected Starting 11 (4-1-2-1-2): Suzanne Trengove (GK, 24 - NT Pool); Mentor Siegel (LB/CB, 25), Nicolasa Chmela (CB, 30), Lazine Hansberg (CB, 28), Han Engin (RB, 21); Shane McCormik (DM, 32 - XAN); Jikari Yanstia (LM/CM, 25), Bastia Hansilon (RM/LM, 33 - Captain); Jockie Doran (CM/AM, 20); Likarish Gyits (CF/AM/CM, 31 - NT Pool), Matt Barney (CF, 29 - XAN)
Key Substitutes: Callie Franco (DM/CB, 28), Lily Havelka (CM, 28), Douglas Jackson (CF, 21)
Manager: Staligrid Wonson
Just a few days back, the club announced that their player Han Engin, from Timuria, has been given Poafmersian citizenship and the option to join the Poafmersian National Team if he chooses to. (OOC: This is due to the Timuria's CTE.) Despite being only 21, he has became a key player of the club, holding the right back position. The front line of Gyits and Barney have been particularly key to ensuring that FC United maintains quite the performance they are having right now. The only issue would only be whether they have the edge to close the gap to reach the IFCF. I think that one of their city rivals have a higher chance.
Club Category: Banana Peels
Name: Fiskadaha FC
Stadium Location: Dreamers Park (cap. 60,000), Fiskadaha City, Tikahs
Last season position: 10th
Expected Starting 11 (4-3-3): Sandi Jaliaha (GK, 29 - NT Player); Noma Sutton (LB, 33 - NPH), Roberta Benvenuti (CB, 28), Talaat Demirki (CB, 29 - SRS), Orislava Pensinger (RB, 29 - SRS); Olaf Bachmeier (CM, 26 - DEL), Goon Figsh (CM/DM, 33 - NT Pool), Gisiik Moonar (CM/AM, 28 - Captain, NT Player); Edna Anderson (LM/LW, 25 - NT Pool), Nelle Basurto (CF/LW/RW, 25), Whitney Rios (RM/RW, 26 - NT Player)
Key Substitutes: Evangaline Felps (CF, 22 - TAE), Caitlin MacTilt (CM, 24 - SCT), Daly Scott (CM/ACM, 28), Kyle Simonsen (LB, 30)
Manager: David Stainton
Strangely, this team has not been doing well as the team should be on paper, but in reality, they have lots of potential. Gisiik Moonar. Goon Figsh. Sandi Jaliaha. Edna Anderson and Whitney Rios. It is difficult to wonder why this team is at its current level. Stainton has asked the fans to give him one last chance, as he runs towards the end of his 6-year contract with the club. Maybe indeed the team was unlucky with injury issues here and there. But they have been trying to beef up the club, with Daly Scott and Olaf Bachmeier, 2 central midfielders who have performed relatively well in their stint with Jottim FC, signed for the club. Hopefully this is the season for them?
Club Category: IFCF candidates
Name: Forte Agureo FC
Stadium Location: Agureo Stadium (cap 47,000), Agureo Township, Dalaris
Last season position: 14th
Expected Starting 11 (4-3-3): Bartholomew Viteri (GK, 26); Moysei Jeffery (LB, 31), Laungani Saur (CB, 33 - SRS), Siiri Kneller (CB/DM, 24), Gulbrand Newell (RB, 30); Teofila Flanagan (CM, 27), Grabar Kurbis (CM, 29 - SRS), Mitrodora Eliot (CM, 28); Gavrilo Wyrzykowski (LW/CF, 28), Putu Daube (CF, 33 - Captain), Ronda Van de Vliert (RW/RM, 30)
Key Substitutes: Deidre Osborne (CB, 21 - Former U21), Anastasia Klein (CF, 22)
Manager: Michael Schmidt
A traditional mid-tier club who has quite a number of players, they have been able to barely survive for the past few seasons. They are widely considered to be at the mid-bottom of the table, which typically is a safe position. Until this season. Their club has the potential to survive quite nicely, and considering that this team is rather close-knit and have lots of chemistry between them. The worry would be that if the reformed changes come, and then the league will have 4-6 relegations, they might just drop. They have always been struggling between 13th and 16th, so the danger is definitely there.
Club Category: Typically safe, but at risk this season
Name: Holhot City
Stadium Location: Davarsi Bria (cap. 36,500), Holhot, Nitrishi-pai
Last season position: 8th
Expected Starting 11 (4-3-3): Kayin Haumann (GK, 25 - Captain); Flora Thomassen (LB/CB, 27), Marzanna Beutel (CB, 29), Terrell Pressley (CB, 31), Beata Ibsen (RB/CB, 30); Iair Bernard (CM/LM, 36), Matilde Sala (CM/AM, 22), Seda Vidal (CM/RM, 30); Anna Parish (LW, 29), Titus Dunne (ST, 27 - BRE), Jonas Harison (RW/CF, 26)
Key Substitutes: Alfie Gurnesey (LCB, 27 - XAN), Kester Cornell (CF, 29), Yafe Lauwens (CF, 32), Harriet Buck (RM/RW, 22)
Manager: Jakarita Nostalson
The youngest captain in the league, Haumann has been determined for Holhot City to play fast flowing and nice-to-watch football. The club has been playing quite a mixed variety of football, innovating new ways of playing foot ball, such as a 4-2-1-3 formation that they utilise with Bernard and Vidal moving wide while Harison and Parish provide the ball towards Dunne, the target man. It is interesting how this team would playout the season, and whether the team could showcase capabilities to challenge for the IFCF spots.
Club Category: Banana Peels
Name: Holhot United
Stadium Location: Holtin Kash Stadium (cap. 37,250), Holhot, Nitrishi-pai
Last season position: 13th
Expected Starting 11 (4-1-2-1-2): Aileen Bosque (GK, 32 - Captain); Nelle Bradford (LB, 31 - NPH), Konile Trasa (CB, 29 - NT Pool), Pilvi Koolen (CB, 29), Tevreness Bale (RB, 35 - COS); Charlene Newman (CM/DM, 25); Rod Cox (LM, 28), Damien Morton (RM/LM, 22); Orlando Nelson (CM/AM, 27); Prospero Breen (CF, 23), Miina Fitzgerald (CF/ACM, 27)
Key Substitutes: Enrique Brewer (CF, 21); Zorka Rompa (DM/CM, 20)
Manager: Douglis Nichs
Konile Trasa is single-handedly ensuring that the defence of this club isn't failing, some say. However, that statement may have overvalued Konile Trasa by a lot. Actually, these players are also good in their own way. Products of the combined Holhot Academy, such as Brewer and Rompa, have stepped up whenever necessary and could make the climb a little bit faster in terms of pace, something they have been lacking. Yes, the club's tactical awareness is there. That is why Douglis Nichs have been asked to take over at Fiskadaha FC and Mancodas Athletic FC so many times, although he has rejected them again and again. However, the club is still missing some piece of the puzzle, maybe a few more players that could bring them up to a top 10 level.
Club Category: Sandwich class Survivors
Name: Kavalti River FC
Stadium Location: Riverson (cap. 30,000), Jacquilton, Hitimatias
Last season position: 12th
Expected Starting 11 (4-3-3 wide): Arjun Arendse (GK, 27); Simba Hendry (LB, 27), Loui Fenn (CB, 29), Codie Kunkel (CB, 26), Bolsto Nelison (RB/LB, 32 - NT Pool); Melchiorre Koskinen (LM/CM, 31), Conri Ferrer (CM, 26), Bozhena Shimizu (RM/CM, 28); Caligula Minami (LW, 21), Aemiliana Cochlain (CF, 20), Kristina Mendes (RW, 30 - Captain)
Key Substitutes: Sharlene Beltran (CM/AM, 22 - Former U21 NT), Fulgentius Gerstle (LB, 20)
Manager: Chaz Barber
The club really belongs in the middle. The club structure is relatively safe and sound, just that their name isn't that strong and they don't necessarily get a lot of good players. But these are players who are willing to put in the effort to win every match, winnable or not. This is the reason why the club can stay in the Premier League, though they aren't on the level of many other clubs.
Club Category: Sandwich class Survivors