Myanmar National League
 | |
| Founded | 16 May 2009 |
|---|---|
| First season | 2009 |
| Country | Myanmar |
| Confederation | AFC |
| Number of teams | 12 |
| Level on pyramid | 1 |
| Relegation to | MNL-2 |
| Domestic cup(s) | Charity Cup |
| League cup(s) | General Aung San Shield |
| International cup(s) | AFC Cup AFC Champions League ASEAN Club Championship |
| Current champions | Shan United (2020) |
| Most championships | Yangon United (5 titles) |
| Most appearances | Yan Aung Kyaw |
| Top goalscorer | César (95) |
| TV partners | MRTV Sports (Live) Channel-7 (Highlights) MRTV (FTA) Eleven Sports (Online Media) MyCujoo (Online Media) |
| Website | www |
| Current: 2021 season | |
The MPT Myanmar National League (Burmese: မြန်မာ နေရှင်နယ် လိဂ်; abbreviated MNL) is the premier national professional football league of Myanmar. In 2009, the league replaced the Myanmar Premier League, which consisted only of 14 Yangon-based football clubs, with eight professional clubs representing different regions across the nation.[1] On 16 May 2009, the league launched its inaugural two-month tournament, the Myanmar National League Cup 2009 in preparation for the first full season in 2010.[2] Despite its national ambitions, the league held the MNL Cup 2009 matches in the country's two main stadiums in Yangon due to the lack of adequate facilities elsewhere. On 5 July 2009, Yadanabon FC defeated Yangon United FC in the MNL Cup final to become the first-ever MNL Champions.
The league added three clubs for the 2010 season[3] and one more club joined for the 2011 season, bringing the total to twelve clubs.[4] Two more clubs representing the Chin and Shan States will participate in the MNL season starting in January 2012.[5]
Promotion and relegation will be added by the 2014 season as the MNL looks to expand once again.[6]
History[]
Origins[]
In the past, professional football competition in Myanmar has only existed in a limited form. All premier leagues up to this point have been made up of Yangon-based football clubs, most of which were affiliated with government Ministries. It was only after 1996, when the Premier League (Burmese: ပထမတန်း) was relaunched as the Myanmar Premier League that non-government clubs were invited to join the league. Still, the league was based only in Yangon, and never caught the imagination of Burmese football fans, who follow European football with near religious fervor.
The Myanmar Football Federation sought approval from the government to launch a nationwide league in February 2008, and finally received permission to set up private clubs in December 2008. Each club was permitted to sign at most five foreign players and one foreign coach. The government granted each club tax exemptions for an initial three-year period, while each club owner must provide a minimum initial investment of K200 million (approximately US$200,000). It was expected that the annual operating cost for each club would be about K500 million (US$500,000).[1] The investment apparently covers costs such as salaries, transportation and equipment, but does not include the club stadiums, which are all nationalized.[7]
Myanmar Derby[]
Myanmar Derby or The Classic Match of Myanmar is the matchup between Yangon United and Yadanarbon. It is the matchup that presents Myanmar football in the modern era. The name was given to the encounter of two teams due to the hype and massive atmosphere around the match. The first encounter between them happened in the 2009 MNL Cup season. On 18 June 2009, Yadanarbon and Yangon United met at Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon. Before the match, Yadanarbon was the leader in the table after 3 matches of the season while Yangon followed in second with one less point. Yadanarbon made the lead by 2–1 in the first forty-five minutes but Yangon bounced back to draw by the 2–2 result at the end. The match was full of the exciting and dramatic moments. Then, it was considered one of the most classic matches in Myanmar League history. The Yangon United versus Yadanarbon matchup was dubbed as "Myanmar Derby" ever since then.
Yangon Utd dominance[]
The Yangon Utd Dominance refers to the 2011 to 2013 season, which Yangon United won Myanmar National League in three consecutive seasons as the first club in the league history.
The first invincible[]
In 2019 season, Shan United under Mr. Aung Naing head coach Myanmar, had become the first club in the league history that completed the season with an unbeaten record. Shan United finished at the top of the final standing with 12 wins and 10 draws.
Champions[]
(For Burmese Champions before 2009, see Myanmar Premier League)
| # | Year | Winners | Runners-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2009 | Yadanarbon | Ayeyawady United |
| 2 | 2010 | Yadanarbon | Zeyar Shwe Myay |
| 3 | 2011 | Yangon United | Ayeyawady United |
| 4 | 2012 | Yangon United | Kanbawza FC |
| 5 | 2013 | Yangon United | Nay Pyi Taw |
| 6 | 2014 | Yadanarbon | Yangon United |
| 7 | 2015 | Yangon United | Yadanarbon |
| 8 | 2016 | Yadanarbon | Yangon United |
| 9 | 2017 | Shan United | Yangon United |
| 10 | 2018 | Yangon United | Shan United |
| 11 | 2019 | Shan United | Ayeyawady United |
| 12 | 2020 | Shan United[8] | Hanthawaddy United |
Wins by club[]
| Club | Champions | Runners-up | Winning Seasons | Runners-up Seasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yangon United | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018 | 2014, 2016, 2017 | ||
| Yadanarbon | 2009, 2010, 2014, 2016 | 2015 | ||
| Shan United | 2017, 2019, 2020 | 2012, 2018 | ||
| Ayeyawady United | 2009, 2011, 2019 | |||
| Nay Pyi Taw | 2013 | |||
| Zeyar Shwe Myay | 2010 | |||
| Hantharwady United | 2020 |
The Invincibles[]
Unbeaten champions:
- Shan United in 2019
Clubs[]
Name Change[]
Delta United changed their name to Ayeyawady United to represent the Ayeyawady Division. changed their name to Hantharwaddy United to represent the Bago Division. Mahar United changed their name to Sagaing United to represent the Sagaing Division.
2021 Locations and Stadiums[]
| Club | Home City | Stadium | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayeyawady United | Pathein | Ayar Stadium | 6,000 |
| Chinland | Chin | 10,000 | |
| Hantharwady United | Bago | 4,000 | |
| I.S.P.E | Mandalay | Mandalarthiri Stadium | 30,000 |
| Myawady | Nay Pyi Taw | Wunna Theikdi Stadium | 30,000 |
| Rakhine United | Sittwe | Weithali Stadium | 7,000 |
| Sagaing United | Monywa | Monywa Stadium | 5,000 |
| Shan United | Taunggyi | Taunggyi Stadium | 7,000 |
| Yadanarbon | Mandalay | Bahtoo Stadium | 17,000 |
| Yangon United | Yangon | Yangon United Sports Complex | 3,500 |
(*) – not ready to play. MNL clubs that have not had their home stadia ready to host home matches currently use Aung San Stadium and Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon.[9]
Records[]
All-time top scorers[]
- As of 13 February 2021
| Rank | Player | Period | Goals | Apps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Cézar
|
2012–2015, 2017 | 95 | 108 |
| 2 |  Keith Nah
|
2014, 2015–2016, 2019– | 61 | 94 |
| 3 |  Win Naing Soe
|
2015– | 61 | |
| 4 | Soe Min Oo
|
2009-2014 | 46 | |
| 5 |  Sylla Sekou
|
2014-2019 | 43 |
Figures for active players (in bold).
Most appearances[]
- As of February 2021
| Rank | Player | Position | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yan Aung Kyaw
|
2009–2020 | 298 | 18 |
| 2 | Kyi Lin
|
2009– | 185 | 19 |
| 3 | Thiha Sithu
|
2009– | ||
| 4 | David Htan
|
2009– |
Figures for active players (in bold) .
Player statistics[]
- Youngest player: Myat Kaung Khant (Yadanarbon) — 17 years, 6 months and 0 days (15 January 2018, Yadanarbon 5–2 Ayeyawady United, 2018 Myanmar National League)
- Oldest player: Phoe Chit (Sagaing United) — 38 years,(17 August 2019, Dagon 5-2 Sagaing United, 2019 Myanmar National League)
- Youngest scorer: Myat Kaung Khant (Yadanarbon) — 17 years, 6 months and 0 days (15 January 2018, Yadanarbon 5–2 Ayeyawady United, 2018 Myanmar National League)
- Oldest scorer: Phoe Chit (Sagaing United) — 38 years,(17 August 2019, Dagon 5-2 Sagaing United, 2019 Myanmar National League)
- Fastest scorer: Nyi Nyi Min (Dagon) - 2 minutes (17 August 2019, Dagon 5-2 Sagaing United)
- Most consecutive matches scored: Yadanarbon - 21 Matches
- Most consecutive unconceded matches: 7 matches
- All time most clean sheets: 630 minutes — Kyaw Zin Htet
- Most goals in a season: 28 goals — Cezar Augusto (Yangon United, 2015)
- Most assists in a season: 9 goals — Hein Htet Aung, Lwin Moe Aung (2020)
- Most titles won: 6 times — David Htan (Yangon United - 4 times, Shan United - 2 times)
- Most seasons appeared: 11 seasons — Kyi Lin, Thiha Sithu, David Htan, Yan Aung Kyaw (2009-2020)
- All-time record for highest football transfer fee Myanmar players: 15 millions kyats— Zaw Min Tun (2014)
Awards[]
Prize money[]
- Champion: 100,000,000 Kyats
- Runner-up: 75,000,000 Kyats
- Third Place: 50,000,000 Kyats
Top scorers[]
| Year | Nation | Player | Club | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 
|
Raphael Success[10] | Ayeyawady United | 16 |
| 2019 |
|
Win Naing Soe | Yadanarbon | 18 |
| 2018 | 
|
Joseph Mpande | Hanthawaddy United | 18 |
| 2017 |
|
Keith Martu Nah | Ayeyawady United | 15 |
|
|
Christopher Chizoba | Shan United | ||
| 2016 |
|
Win Naing Soe | Yadanarbon | 16 |
|
|
Keith Martu Nah | |||
|
|
Christopher Chizoba | Ayeyawady United | ||
| 2015 |
|
César Augusto | Yangon United | 28 |
| 2014 |
|
César Augusto | Yangon United | 26 |
| 2013 |
|
César Augusto | Yangon United | 20 |
| 2012 | 
|
Saša Ranković | Zeya Shwe Myay | 20 |
| 2011 |
|
Charles Obi | Yangon United | 18 |
| 2010 | 
|
Jean-Roger Lappé-Lappé | Hantharwady United | 20 |
| 2009-10 |
|
Soe Min Oo | Shan United | 12 |
| 2009 |
|
Yan Paing | Yadanarbon | 8 |
Coach of the Year[]
| Season | Coach | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 |
|
Shan United |
| 2019 |
|
Shan United |
| 2018 | Myo Min Tun
|
Yangon United |
| 2017 | Soe Myat Min
|
Shan United |
| 2016 |  René Desaeyere
|
Yadanarbon |
| 2015 | Saric
|
Yangon United |
| 2014 |
|
Yadanarbon |
| 2013 |  Eric Williams
|
Yangon United |
| 2012 |  Ivan Venkov Kolev
|
Yangon United |
| 2011 | Eric Williams
|
Yangon United |
| 2010 |  Yoan
|
Yadanarbon |
| 2009 | Yoan
|
Yadanarbon |
Player of the Year[]
| Season | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | ||
| 2019 | David Htan
|
Shan United |
| 2018 | Maung Maung Lwin
|
Yangon United |
| 2017 | Aung Thu
|
Yadanarbon |
| 2016 | Aung Thu
|
Yadanarbon |
| 2015 | Aung Thu
|
Yadanarbon |
| 2014 | Thiha Sithu
|
Yadanarbon |
| 2013 | César Augusto
|
Yangon United |
| 2012 | Kyi Lin
|
Yangon United |
| 2011 | Kyaw Ko Ko
|
Zayar Shwe Myay |
| 2010 | ||
| 2009 | Yan Paing
|
Yadanarbon |
Titles won[]
Managers[]
Winning managers[]
| Manager | Club(s) | Wins | Winning years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yoan
|
Yadanarbon | 2 | 2009, 2010 |
| Eric Williams
|
Yangon United | 2011, 2013 | |
|
|
Shan United | 2019, 2020, | |
| Ivan Kolev
|
Yangon United | 1 | 2012 |
| Saric /
|
Yangon United | 2015 | |
| René Desaeyere
|
Yadanarbon | 2016 | |
| Soe Myat Min
|
Shan United | 2017 | |
| Myo Min Tun
|
Yangon United | 2018 |
Competition format and sponsorship[]
Competition[]
There are 12 clubs in the Myanmar League. During the course of a season, which lasts from January to October, each club plays the others twice, once at their home stadium and once at that of their opponents, for a total of 22 games. Teams receive three points for a win and one point for a draw. No points are awarded for a loss. Teams are ranked by total points, then head-to-head, then goal difference, and then goals scored. At the end of each season, the club with the most points is crowned champion. If points are equal, the head-to-head, the goal difference and then goals scored determine the winner. If still equal, teams are deemed to occupy the same position. If there is a tie for the championship, for relegation, or for qualification to other competitions, a play-off match at a neutral venue decides rank. The two lowest placed teams are relegated into the MNL-2 and the top two teams from the MNL-2 are promoted in their place.
Qualification for Asian competitions[]
In the past the champions will play in AFC Champions League playoffs and AFC Cup for the champions of General Aung San Shield. Due to reforms from the AFC for the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup format, there will be no more a direct qualification spot for the AFC Champions League for that Myanmar Champion, for the time being.
Sponsorship[]
The Myanmar League has been sponsored since 2009 until 2010 and has been sponsored again since 2015. The sponsor has been able to determine the league's sponsorship name. The list below details who the sponsors have been and what they called the competition:
| Period | Sponsor | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2009–2010 | Grand Royal | Grand Royal Myanmar National League |
| 2010–2014 | No sponsor | Myanmar National League |
| 2015–2016 | Ooredoo | Ooredoo Myanmar National League |
| 2017 | Max Cement | Max Cement Myanmar National League |
| 2018–2020 | MPT | MPT Myanmar National League |
Since 2013, 100PLUS has been the sponsor of Myanmar Football Federation and MNL. The sponsorship is extended to 2020 to support major football events in the country, the various football teams within the national setup, football tournaments for youth development and the local professional competitions.[11]
Match balls[]
Youth League[]
Like the reserve league, the youth league is open to all the youth teams of all professional clubs in Thailand.
Other tournaments[]
- Domestic tournaments
- General Aung San Shield (2010–present)
- MFF Charity Cup (as MFF Opening Cup 2012–2015) (2016–present)
- International tournaments
- AFC Champions League (2014–present)
- AFC Cup (2014-present)
- Mekong Club Championship (2016–present)
Ranking Asian[]
AFC Club Ranking[]
- As of 21.12.2020[12]
| Current Rank | Points | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 70 | 15.58 | Yangon United |
| 96 | 8.9.14 | Shan United |
| 124 | 5.247 | Yadanarbon |
See also[]
References[]
- ^ a b Han Oo Khin (March 9–15, 2009). "New era for football". The Myanmar Times. Archived from the original on February 15, 2012.
- ^ Han Oo Khin (March 30 – April 5, 2009). "MFF announces May domestic cup competition". The Myanmar Times. Archived from the original on February 14, 2012.
- ^ "MNL season opens in style". Myanmar Times. 2010. Archived from the original on 5 October 2010. Retrieved 9 June 2011.
- ^ "MNL expands ahead of 2011 season launch". Myanmar Times. January 2011. Archived from the original on 7 June 2012. Retrieved 9 June 2011.
- ^ "၂၀၁၂ ပြိုင်ပွဲတွင် ချင်းကိုယ်စားပြု အသင်းတစ်သင်း ပါဝင် ယှဉ်ပြိုင်မည်". Soccer Myanmar. Archived from the original on 4 October 2011. Retrieved 2 October 2011.
- ^ "MNL TO INTRODUCE PROMOTION-RELEGATION SYSTEM BY 2014". ASEAN Football. Retrieved 9 January 2012.
- ^ Min Lwin (2009-04-20). "Burmese Soccer League an Election Ploy?". The Irrawaddy.
- ^ "2020 MNL Title won". themnl.com. 2020. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
- ^ MNL, MFF (21 September 2016). "Eight seasons in for MNL, three teams drop out". Stdium. Archived from the original on 2016-10-21. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
- ^ "2020 Top Scorer". themnl.com. 2020. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
- ^ "100PLUS Renews Hydration Partnership with MFF and MNL till 2020". Myanmar Business Today. Retrieved 2019-02-06.
- ^ "AFC Football / Soccer Clubs Ranking".
External links[]
| National teams |
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| League system |
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| Domestic cups |
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| Reserve and Academy |
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| Continental cups |
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- Myanmar National League
- Football leagues in Myanmar
- Top level football leagues in Asia
- Sports leagues established in 2009