The much-anticipated 12th season of the Kerala Premier League (KPL) is set to commence on January 27, with Kerala Blasters facing off against Gokulam Kerala in the opening match. Recognized as Kerala’s premier men’s football competition, this year’s KPL will feature 14 teams, including Kerala Police, KSEB, Golden Threads FC, FC Kerala, PFC Kerala, Muthoot FA, Real Malabar FC, Wayanad United FC, Inter Kerala FC, and St. Joseph’s College Devagiri.
The league follows a single-leg format during the preliminary round, with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals. The league stage will conclude on March 27. Matches are scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM, taking place at EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode and Payyanad Stadium in Manjeri, Malappuram.
In the previous season, Kerala United clinched the championship title, defeating SAT Tirur in the final. This year, the Kerala Football Association has announced that the KPL winner will earn a nomination to the I-League’s third division, marking a significant opportunity for teams aiming to compete on a larger stage. Football enthusiasts across Kerala eagerly await the action-packed tournament, which continues to be a cornerstone of the state’s sporting culture. The Kerala Premier League has consistently been a platform for nurturing local talent and showcasing high-quality football. This season promises to be no different, with teams vying not only for the coveted trophy but also the chance to represent Kerala on the national stage in the I-League third division. Fans are expected to fill the stands at Kozhikode and Manjeri, creating an electrifying atmosphere that highlights the passion for football in the state. As the countdown begins, the KPL is set to inspire a new generation of players and further solidify Kerala’s reputation as a football powerhouse.
