Paraguayan FA Considers Expanding First Division to 16 Teams

The Paraguayan Football Association (APF) is evaluating a major overhaul of its domestic league structure. As reported by ABC Color, the proposal gaining the most traction is the expansion of the First Division from 12 to 16 teams, along with a significant reduction in the number of matchdays.

Currently, clubs play 44 league matches per year—a number that APF president Robert Harrison has criticized as unsustainable. “No league in the world plays that many matches,” he stated during the 2025 Copa Paraguay draw. The reform would aim to reduce player fatigue and modernize the competition format.

Among the ideas under review are the introduction of playoffs (liguilla) within the Apertura or Clausura tournaments, or the shift to a single annual championship. To facilitate the expansion, the 2025 season may proceed without relegations, allowing four teams from the second tier to be promoted.

The main challenge is financial: television rights are a decisive factor. Expanding the league and altering its format would require renegotiation with broadcasters to ensure that increased operating costs are offset by greater revenue.

The APF is now tasked with balancing sporting integrity, commercial viability, and scheduling efficiency in its pursuit of a more sustainable and competitive league system.