MUSCAT, AUG 14
The new season of the Oman Elite Football League, in its 48th edition, will kick off on Saturday, August 16, 2025, with 14 clubs competing for the championship title until May 22, 2026. This season promises more excitement and challenge with the increase in the number of participating clubs and the adoption of new organisational standards.
Al Nahda will raise the curtain on the season at Al Buraimi Sports Complex when they host Samayil in the opening match of the first round. The remaining opening fixtures will continue on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, with Al Shabab facing Ibri, Sur meeting Al Nasr, Oman Club playing against Dhofar, while Saham will take on Bahla and Al Rustaq will face Sohar. The defending champions, Seeb, will wrap up the round by hosting Al Khabourah at the Seeb Sports Stadium.
The league will be played this season in a home-and-away format over 26 rounds. The teams finishing in 13th and 14th place will be relegated directly to the First Division League, which will intensify the battle at the bottom of the table. Meanwhile, top-tier clubs will be keen to secure points early to strengthen their position in the title race.
This year’s edition will see stricter application of local and Asian club licensing standards, covering technical, administrative and financial aspects, in a move aimed at raising professionalism and enhancing the capabilities of participating teams. The expansion from 12 to 14 clubs is expected to increase competitiveness in the league and provide fans with more matches to enjoy throughout the season.
In a related development, a joint meeting was held this week at the Technical Department and National Teams’ Accommodation between the Oman Football Association, represented by its chairman, Sayyid Sulaiman bin Hamoud al Busaidy, members of the board, officials from the League and Competitions Department, and representatives of Elite League clubs. The meeting was part of ongoing consultative efforts to promote transparency and clarity. It reaffirmed the association’s commitment to achieving the highest standards in organising the Elite League, as well as supporting clubs financially and morally while working with them to prepare all national teams, particularly the senior national team.
Omani fans are looking forward to a thrilling football season, expected to showcase fierce competition between the top clubs and ambitious challengers aiming to make their mark in the league. All eyes will be on the strong title contenders, most notably Seeb, aiming to retain their crown, Al Nahda, determined to reclaim the top spot, and Dhofar, eager to return to the winners’ podium.
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