New Third League Announced for Ukrainian Football
The President of the Professional Football League (PFL), Oleksandr Kadenko, has announced plans to establish a Third League in Ukraine, with a targeted launch for the 2027/28 season. This new division will be integrated into the country's professional competition pyramid, introducing promotion and relegation between it and the Second League. This expansion is part of a broader effort to strengthen the domestic football structure from the grassroots level up.
A working group is being formed to develop the format for the Third League. Kadenko emphasized that sporting merit will be the primary requirement for entry.
“I believe the sporting criterion will be mandatory. These will undoubtedly be teams playing in the amateur championship who are leaders in their regional competitions. Accordingly, we need a system that supports, first and foremost, the sporting principle while considering all other nuances,” he stated.
Opportunities for Third League Clubs
Clubs in the Third League will also gain the right to compete in the Ukrainian Cup, significantly broadening opportunities for lower-division teams. Currently, Ukrainian professional football consists of three divisions: the Premier League, the First League, and the Second League. The PFL organizes competitions for the First and Second Leagues, with promotion and relegation links between the UPL and First League, and between the First and Second Leagues.
According to the plans, details of the new format should become clear by June.
“I think a clearer picture will emerge in June. We will communicate with representatives of the Second League and amateur clubs, not just make a decision in isolation. They are the ones who will be playing,” Kadenko added.
The creation of the Third League represents a major step in developing Ukrainian professional football, providing new pathways for clubs and players. Its integration into the existing structure is expected to raise the overall standard of play, attract new talent, and increase competitiveness at all levels of the national game.