The Premier Soccer League has taken an unprecedented step after its clubs reportedly voted to suspend relegation for the 2025 season, a dramatic move that spares eight sides from the drop—including already-relegated Kwekwe United, widely regarded as one of the poorest-performing teams in the league’s history.
The decision aligns with a recommendation from the Zimbabwe Football Association, which has been pushing to expand the topflight from 18 to 20 teams.
However, the implementation plan has produced new complications. With four regional champions—FC Hunters, Bulawayo Chiefs, Hard Rock FC and Agama FC—already confirmed for promotion, the 2026 season is now poised to feature 22 clubs instead of the targeted 20.
Such an expanded league would require each team to play 41 matches, creating a congested calendar that has raised concerns among stakeholders.
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While ZIFA is believed to have encouraged the temporary suspension of relegation to smooth the transition, it has yet to officially confirm the arrangement or outline how the enlarged format will be managed.
The PSL has also not publicly confirmed the vote despite widespread reports.
The reprieve offers major relief to several established clubs, including giants Dynamos and Highlanders, both of whom were flirting with relegation after difficult campaigns.
Dynamos, in particular, faced a potentially decisive clash against FC Platinum next Sunday—a match that could have sealed their fate had relegation remained in effect.
The league is expected to trim the number of teams back to 20 in 2027, restoring ZIFA’s preferred structure.
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