BFA Announces Play-Off Schedule

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

The Bahrain Football Association (BFA) has announced the schedule for the 2025–26 promotion and relegation play-offs, which will determine the two teams that will compete in next season’s Nasser bin Hamad Premier League.

Taking part in the play-offs are Premier League sides Al Najma and Budaiya, alongside First Division clubs Al Ittihad and Manama. Al Najma finished 10th in the top flight with 22 points, while Budaiya placed ninth on the same number of points but with a superior goal difference. In the First Division, Al Ittihad secured third place with 46 points, while Manama finished fourth with 44 points.

Under the approved format, the four teams will compete in a single round-robin league system. The teams finishing first and second in the final standings will earn spots in next season’s Nasser bin Hamad Premier League, while the remaining two sides will compete in the First Division.

The play-offs are set to begin on Thursday, May 21. Budaiya will face Manama at Bahrain National Stadium, while Al Najma take on Al Ittihad at Al Ahli Club Stadium. Both matches are scheduled for 7pm kick-offs.

Action continues on Monday, May 25, with Budaiya meeting Al Najma at Bahrain National Stadium, while Manama face Al Ittihad at Al Ahli Club Stadium.

The play-offs will conclude on Saturday, May 30, when Al Ittihad face Budaiya at Al Ahli Club Stadium, while Al Najma take on Manama at Bahrain National Stadium. Both fixtures will kick off at 7pm.

The upcoming play-offs are expected to deliver intense competition, with Al Najma and Budaiya aiming to preserve their top-flight status, while Al Ittihad and Manama seek promotion to Bahrain’s premier division.

Meanwhile, Al Ittifaq and East Riffa have already secured automatic promotion to the Nasser bin Hamad Premier League for the 2026–27 season. Al Ittifaq clinched the First Division title after finishing one point ahead of runners-up East Riffa.