QFA Scraps Second Division And Olympic League, Launches QSL 2

Doha: The Qatar Football Association on Tuesday approved a major revamp of the domestic football structure, scrapping the Second Division League and Olympic League and introducing a new competition - Qatar Stars League 2 (QSL 2) - from the 2026/2027 season.

In a statement, the QFA Executive Committee confirmed the“cancellation of the Olympic League competition and the Second Division League competition for the upcoming 2026/2027 sports season.”

The newly-formed QSL 2 will feature Second Division clubs, the Qatar U-23 national team and selected 'B' teams from top-flight sides, subject to meeting participation criteria.

The federation said the league“includes the teams of the second division clubs, the under-23 national team, and the (B) team of some first division clubs that meet the conditions and criteria for participation... based on coordination meetings with the clubs.”

The move is aimed at strengthening the player development pathway and increasing competitiveness.

Separately, the QFA outlined revised foreign player regulations for the top tier, the Qatar Stars League.

Each First Division club will be allowed“a maximum of (5) foreign professional players + at least (2) talented players within the list of (11) players on the field at any time during the match.”

For the second tier under the new structure, clubs can field up to eight foreign professionals in a matchday XI.

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