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The J.League will undergo significant changes in 2026. |
To celebrate the 100th season of the J.League, the organizers decided to make a groundbreaking change. Specifically, matches ending in a draw after 90 minutes will no longer be counted as the final score; instead, the winner will be decided by a penalty shootout.
Under the new format, the team that wins the penalty shootout will receive 2 points, while the losing team will still receive 1 point. This rule does not affect matches that end in regular time, meaning the winning team will still receive 3 points, and the losing team will receive none.
According to the organizers, the goal of eliminating draws during the trial period was to increase the excitement and drama of the matches, while limiting the number of draws, a factor often considered to diminish audience interest. The league's executives believe that penalty shootouts not only add intensity to the game but also provide a fresh experience for fans.
The organizers stated that this change will only apply to the 2026 season, which is expected to run from February to June.
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The J.League is facing major changes. |
Although identified as a temporary regulation, the J.League leadership also left open the possibility of implementing it long-term if it receives positive feedback from clubs, players, and viewers. This means the 2026 season will be a crucial step in evaluating the effectiveness of the new competition model.
This particular adjustment is part of a larger plan by the J.League to synchronize its schedule with top European leagues. Starting next season, Japan's top football league will switch to a new timeframe, beginning around August or September each year, similar to the familiar schedules of leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, and Bundesliga.
The J.League's bold decision reflects an effort to innovate and adapt to the evolving trends of modern football, while also seeking to enhance the league's value amidst increasingly fierce competition among football leagues worldwide .
Source: https://znews.vn/thay-doi-lich-su-o-giai-nhat-ban-post1627305.html









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