Football is the most popular sport in Switzerland and the Swiss Super League is the top competition. It has ten teams who play each other four times for a total of 36 fixtures each. The season runs from July to May with a winter break. Number one in the final league table is the champion, number ten is relegated while number nine plays a relegation playoff.
The Swiss Challenge league is the second highest level of football in Switzerland. Ten teams play four fixtures against each other to decide a final league table. The winner is promoted directly while number two enters a promotion playoff. The bottom team is relegated.
The 1. Liga Classic is level four of Swiss football. It is divided into three groups based on geographical location. Each group has 14 teams who play two fixtures against other clubs in their group to create a final league table. The top two teams from each division enter a promotion playoff while the two bottom teams are relegated.
The Promotion League is the third level of football in Switzerland. It has 16 teams playing each other home and away twice for a total of 30 fixtures. The league champions are promoted while the two bottom clubs of the league table are relegated. Reserve teams are permitted in this league.
The Women’s Nationalliga A is the highest level competition for women’s football in Switzerland. It was established in 1970 and has been through numerous format changes. At present the league has eight teams playing four fixtures against each other to form a final league table and a champion.
