The Taiwan Football Premier League is the top-flight football competition in Taiwan. It is a relatively new league, having only been established in 2017, but it has already gained a loyal following. The league features eight teams that compete in a series of three round-robin tournaments, each composed of seven games.
The league’s schedule usually runs from April to November, and the top team at the end of the 21-game schedule wins the league title and an automatic berth in the following year’s AFC Cup. The Taiwan Football Premier League provides an exciting platform for local football talent to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level.
If you’re new to the Taiwan Football Premier League, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to get started. From an overview of the league’s history and structure to a breakdown of the teams and players to watch, this guide will help you become a knowledgeable and informed fan of the Taiwan Football Premier League.
Overview of the Taiwan Football Premier League
The Taiwan Football Premier League (TFPL) is the top-flight professional football league in Taiwan. The league was established in 2017 and has since been the pinnacle of football competition in the country. The TFPL is organised by the Chinese Taipei Football Association (CTFA) and consists of eight teams.
History of the Taiwan Football Premier League
The TFPL was established in 2017 as a replacement for the Intercity Football League, which had been the top-flight football league in Taiwan since 1998. The league was created to improve the standard of football in Taiwan and to provide a platform for local players to showcase their talents.
In its inaugural season, the league consisted of eight teams, including two university teams. The league has since expanded to include only professional teams.
Format of the Taiwan Football Premier League
The TFPL follows a round-robin format, with each team playing against every other team three times. The league runs from April to November, with a total of 21 games played per team.
At the end of the season, the team with the most points is crowned the league champions and earns an automatic berth in the following year’s AFC Cup. The team that finishes in second place also qualifies for the AFC Cup, while the team that finishes in third place qualifies for the AFC Cup playoffs.
The TFPL has also introduced a cup competition, the Taiwan Football Premier League Cup, which is played alongside the league. The cup competition features all eight teams and is played in a knockout format.
Here is a summary of the format of the TFPL:
- Eight teams compete in a round-robin format
- Each team plays against every other team three times
- The league runs from April to November
- The team with the most points at the end of the season is crowned champions
- The champions qualify for the AFC Cup
- The second-placed team qualifies for the AFC Cup
- The third-placed team qualifies for the AFC Cup playoffs
- The TFPL Cup is played alongside the league and features all eight teams in a knockout format.
Teams in the Taiwan Football Premier League
The Taiwan Football Premier League (TFPL) is the top-flight association football competition in Taiwan. The league consists of eight teams that compete in a series of three round-robin tournaments, each composed of seven games. After the 21 game schedule is complete, the top team wins the league title and an automatic berth in the following year’s AFC Cup.
List of Teams
The eight teams that currently participate in the Taiwan Football Premier League are:
- Hang Yuen FC
- Hualien City FC
- Ming Chuan University FC
- Red Lions FC
- Taichung Futuro FC
- Taichung United FC
- Tainan City FC
- Taiwan Steel Group FC
Team Profiles
Hang Yuen FC
Hang Yuen FC is a professional football club based in Taichung, Taiwan. The club was founded in 1985 and has won several domestic and international titles. Their home ground is the Taichung Intercontinental Stadium.
Hualien City FC
Hualien City FC is a professional football club based in Hualien City, Taiwan. The club was founded in 2018 and has quickly risen to become one of the top teams in the league. Their home ground is the Hualien County Stadium.
Ming Chuan University FC
Ming Chuan University FC is a professional football club based in Taoyuan City, Taiwan. The club was founded in 1980 and is owned by Ming Chuan University. Their home ground is the Ming Chuan University Stadium.
Red Lions FC
Red Lions FC is a professional football club based in Tainan City, Taiwan. The club was founded in 2011 and has been a consistent performer in the league. Their home ground is the Tainan Municipal Stadium.
Taichung Futuro FC
Taichung Futuro FC is a professional football club based in Taichung, Taiwan. The club was founded in 2019 and is owned by the Taichung City Government. Their home ground is the Taichung Intercontinental Stadium.
Taichung United FC
Taichung United FC is a professional football club based in Taichung, Taiwan. The club was founded in 2018 and has quickly established itself as a top team in the league. Their home ground is the Taichung Intercontinental Stadium.
Tainan City FC
Tainan City FC is a professional football club based in Tainan City, Taiwan. The club was founded in 2011 and has won several domestic and international titles. Their home ground is the Tainan Municipal Stadium.
Taiwan Steel Group FC
Taiwan Steel Group FC is a professional football club based in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The club was founded in 1971 and is owned by Taiwan Steel Corporation. Their home ground is the Kaohsiung National Stadium.
Players in the Taiwan Football Premier League
The Taiwan Football Premier League is home to some of the most talented football players in the country. From local players to international stars, the league has a diverse range of players who bring their unique skills and talents to the game.
Top Players to Watch
There are several players in the Taiwan Football Premier League who have made a name for themselves with their exceptional skills and performances. Here are a few top players to watch:
- Benchy Estama: A Haitian forward who plays for Taipower FC. He was the league’s top scorer in the 2022 season and is known for his speed and agility on the field.
- Chen Po-liang: A Taiwanese midfielder who plays for Tainan City. He is a versatile player who can play in multiple positions and is known for his passing and dribbling skills.
- Chiu Yu-hung: A Taiwanese defender who plays for Taichung Futuro. He is a strong and reliable defender who is known for his tackling and aerial ability.
Player Profiles
Here are some profiles of a few players in the Taiwan Football Premier League:
Benchy Estama
Benchy Estama is a Haitian forward who plays for Taipower FC. He joined the club in 2021 and quickly established himself as one of the league’s top scorers. In the 2022 season, he scored 14 goals in 18 games and helped Taipower FC finish second in the league.
Estama is known for his speed and agility on the field. He is an excellent dribbler and can create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He is also a clinical finisher and can score from a variety of positions.
Chen Po-liang
Chen Po-liang is a Taiwanese midfielder who plays for Tainan City. He has been with the club since 2019 and has become one of their most important players. He is a versatile player who can play in multiple positions, including central midfield, attacking midfield, and on the wing.
Chen is known for his passing and dribbling skills. He is an excellent playmaker and can create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He is also a hard worker and is not afraid to put in a tackle when needed.
Chiu Yu-hung
Chiu Yu-hung is a Taiwanese defender who plays for Taichung Futuro. He joined the club in 2020 and has quickly become one of their key players. He is a strong and reliable defender who is known for his tackling and aerial ability.
Chiu is also a threat on set pieces and can score goals from corners and free kicks. He is a leader on the field and is respected by his teammates for his work ethic and dedication to the game.
Venues for the Taiwan Football Premier League
The Taiwan Football Premier League is a top-flight football league in Taiwan that features eight teams. The league is played from April to November every year. The teams play in a series of three round-robin tournaments, each composed of seven games. The top team at the end of the 21 game schedule wins the league title and an automatic berth in the following year’s AFC Cup.
List of Venues
The Taiwan Football Premier League is played in different venues across the country. The following are the venues that are used for the league:
- Fu Jen Catholic University Stadium
- Kaohsiung National Stadium
- New Taipei City Xinzhuang Stadium
- Taichung Intercontinental Stadium
- Taipei Municipal Stadium
- Tainan Municipal Stadium
- Tainan Stadium
- Yunlin County Stadium
Venue Details
Each venue used for the Taiwan Football Premier League has its unique features and specifications. Here is a brief overview of the venues:
- Fu Jen Catholic University Stadium: Located in New Taipei City, this stadium has a seating capacity of 3,000. It is the home ground for Taichung Futuro FC.
- Kaohsiung National Stadium: This stadium is located in Kaohsiung City and has a seating capacity of 40,000. It is the largest stadium in Taiwan and is used for various sporting events, including football.
- New Taipei City Xinzhuang Stadium: Located in Xinzhuang District, this stadium has a seating capacity of 5,000. It is the home ground for Tatung FC.
- Taichung Intercontinental Stadium: This stadium is located in Taichung City and has a seating capacity of 20,000. It is the home ground for Taichung Futuro FC.
- Taipei Municipal Stadium: Located in Taipei City, this stadium has a seating capacity of 20,000. It is the home ground for Taipei City Tatung FC.
- Tainan Municipal Stadium: This stadium is located in Tainan City and has a seating capacity of 15,000. It is the home ground for Tainan City FC.
- Tainan Stadium: Located in Tainan City, this stadium has a seating capacity of 8,000. It is the home ground for Tainan City FC.
- Yunlin County Stadium: This stadium is located in Yunlin County and has a seating capacity of 5,000. It is the home ground for Ming Chuan University FC.
Each venue is equipped with modern facilities to ensure the comfort and safety of the players and spectators. The league is played in a competitive and exciting atmosphere, with fans from all over the country coming to support their favourite teams.
Broadcasting and Streaming of the Taiwan Football Premier League
The Taiwan Football Premier League has gained popularity in recent years, attracting viewers from around the world. Fans can watch the matches live on various broadcasting partners and streaming platforms.
Broadcasting Partners
The Taiwan Football Premier League has partnered with several broadcasting companies to bring live coverage of the matches to fans worldwide. Some of the broadcasting partners include:
- Eleven Sports: A leading sports broadcaster that covers the Taiwan Football Premier League matches in Taiwan and other countries.
- Sportcast: A sports media company that broadcasts the matches in Taiwan.
- Fubon TV: A television network that broadcasts the matches in Taiwan.
Streaming Platforms
In addition to broadcasting partners, the Taiwan Football Premier League also streams matches on various platforms, making it easier for fans to watch the matches from anywhere in the world. Some of the popular streaming platforms include:
- MyCujoo: A live streaming platform that broadcasts the matches for free.
- YouTube: The official YouTube channel of the Taiwan Football Premier League streams the matches live.
- Twitch: The matches are also streamed live on the Twitch channel of the Taiwan Football Premier League.
Fans can also watch the matches on the official website of the Taiwan Football Premier League, which provides live streaming of the matches.
It is important to note that the availability of broadcasting partners and streaming platforms may vary depending on the country or region. Fans are advised to check the official website of the Taiwan Football Premier League to find out the broadcasting partners and streaming platforms available in their country or region.
Conclusion
The Taiwan Football Premier League is a growing and exciting league that has been gaining popularity in recent years. With eight teams competing in a series of three round-robin tournaments, each composed of seven games, fans can enjoy a long and exciting season from April to November.
As the top-flight association football competition in Taiwan, the league has been attracting talented players from around the world. With 40 foreign players and a total of 211 players, the league is becoming more diverse and competitive each year.
The reigning champion of the league is Tainan City Taiwan Steel, with three titles to their name. They have a total market value of €5.94m, making them one of the most valuable teams in the league. The league’s most valuable player is Benchy Estama, who is worth €200k.
Overall, the Taiwan Football Premier League is a great league for football fans to follow. With exciting games, talented players, and a growing fan base, it is a league that is sure to continue to grow in popularity in the coming years.
