What Is 2019 Taiwan Football Premier League

Overview

The 2019 Taiwan Football Premier League marked the third official season of Taiwan's top professional football division, organized by the Chinese Taipei Football Association (CTFA). It served as the primary platform for domestic football competition, aiming to elevate the sport's profile and develop local talent.

With increased investment and structural improvements from prior years, the 2019 season demonstrated growing professionalism in scheduling, broadcasting, and team management. The league continued its mission to strengthen Taiwan's presence in Asian football despite limited international recognition.

• Eight teams competed in the 2019 season, including defending champions Tainan City and perennial contenders Taiwan Power Company FC, reflecting a stable core of professional clubs.
• The season officially kicked off on April 21, 2019, with the opening match held at Taipei Municipal Stadium, drawing over 1,200 fans in attendance.
• Each team played 28 matches in a double round-robin format, facing every other team four times—twice at home and twice away.
• Taiwan Power Company FC clinched the title with 34 points, finishing just one point ahead of Tainan City, showcasing a tightly contested race.
• The league featured a total of 112 matches, with an average attendance of approximately 850 spectators per game across all venues.

How It Works

The Taiwan Football Premier League operates under a structured format designed to balance competitiveness and logistical feasibility across the island’s limited number of professional clubs.

• Season Duration: The 2019 season spanned 7 months, from April 21 to November 17, allowing for a full competitive cycle despite weather disruptions.
• Scoring System: Teams earned 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, and 0 for a loss, with goal difference used as the primary tiebreaker in standings.
• Relegation: The bottom-placed team faced relegation to the Taiwan Second Division, though in 2019, no team was relegated due to league expansion plans.
• Foreign Players: Clubs were allowed to register up to 3 foreign players per matchday squad, though most teams fielded only 1–2 due to budget constraints.
• Championship Qualification: The team with the most points at season’s end was crowned champion, with Taiwan Power Company FC achieving this in 2019.
• Match Scheduling: Games were primarily held on weekends, with 14 matchdays in total, each featuring 8 fixtures played over two legs.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2019 Taiwan Football Premier League with prior seasons and regional leagues in terms of structure and competitiveness.

The 2019 Taiwan Football Premier League showed growth compared to 2018, with an additional team and more matches, but still lagged behind regional powerhouses in scale and investment. While Japan and South Korea fielded over a dozen teams with extensive broadcasting deals, Taiwan's league remained modest but steadily improving in organization and competitiveness.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season was a milestone in Taiwan’s football development, proving that a sustainable domestic league could function despite geopolitical and financial challenges.

• Taiwan Power Company FC’s victory highlighted the success of corporate-backed teams in maintaining consistent performance and player development.
• The league’s expansion to 8 teams signaled progress toward long-term stability and broader regional representation.
• Increased media coverage, including live streams, helped raise the sport’s visibility among younger audiences across Taiwan.
• The season provided crucial match experience for players eligible for the Taiwan national team in international qualifiers.
• Improved infrastructure and refereeing standards reflected the CTFA’s commitment to aligning with AFC regulations.
• Grassroots partnerships were strengthened, with several clubs launching youth academies linked to league participation.

Overall, the 2019 Taiwan Football Premier League laid the groundwork for future growth, demonstrating that consistent investment and structural planning can elevate football in even the most challenging environments.