Birinci Dəstə (Azerbaijan) 2026/27

Birinci Liqa operates as the second tier of Azerbaijani football, positioned directly below the Premier League and above the Second League. Established in 1992 by the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA), the competition transitioned from regional groups to a single-table format in 1994–95. This structure has remained standard ever since, currently featuring ten clubs competing in a three-legged round-robin system. Each team faces every opponent three times, resulting in a 27-match schedule per side.

The stakes in this division are defined by strict promotion and relegation rules formalized in 2023. The champion earns direct promotion to the top flight, while the club finishing in last place, tenth, is relegated to the Second League. The competitive landscape has seen several clubs share the record for most titles, with MOIK Baku, Qaradağ Lökbatan, Neftchala, Turan Tovuz, and Araz Naxçıvan each securing two victories. The most recent completed season was won by Gabala, while the 2025–26 title belongs to Shafa.

A significant distinction exists between this tier and the Premier League regarding professional status. Premier League clubs must meet stringent UEFA and AFFA criteria, including larger stadium capacities and robust financial reporting. In contrast, First League clubs operate under lower-tier licensing with less stringent infrastructure requirements. Many teams function as semi-professional entities or feeder teams for Premier League academies, serving as a critical development ground. This role bridges the gap between amateur football and the fully professional top flight, allowing emerging talent to progress toward higher levels.

The current season includes Baku Sportinq, Cəbrayıl, Difai Ağsu, Energetik, MOIK, and Safa Baku among its participants. These clubs navigate a system designed to test resilience and skill before potential advancement. The league continues to evolve its structure while maintaining its core function as a stepping stone for Azerbaijani footballers.