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Dubai: The second division will turn to first division league for all practical purposes, starting from the 2008-2009 season, following the implementation of the professional league.
All 16 second division clubs will play in the first division league with all of their players designated as amateurs.
The top eight finishers will stay in the newly formed first division while the rest will continue in the second division in 2009-2010 - making it three divisions in all - professional league, first and second.
This was decided in the FA board of directors' last meeting, chaired by Mohammad Khalfan Al Rumaithi.
The first division and second division leagues, starting from 2009-2010, will be played in three rounds: home-and-away and the third leg at a neutral ground. This gives the teams in both divisions the chance to play more matches, which will contribute to developing the standard of the players.
The top two teams of the first division next season will be promoted to the professional league if their facilities are as per specifications set by the Asian Football Confederation's Professional League Committee (AFCPLC).
AFC guidelines
Two clubs will be relegated to the second division at the end of the current season. However, those clubs could play in the professional league and avoid relegation if their infrastructure is at par with the AFC committee's guidelines.
However, at the same time, the promoted clubs from the second division could end up not being eligible for the professional league next season if they do not have the required facilities.
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