Ligue Haïtienne (; ''Haitian League''), is a Haitian professional league, governed by the Haitian Football Federation, for

association football Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a team sport played between two teams of 11 Football player, players who almost exclusively use their feet to propel a Ball (association football), ball around a rectangular f ...

clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the Haitian football league system. Contested by 18 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with Division 2, although the current format has been changed due to violence in the country, with 3 regional groups consisting of 14 teams, after a three year hiatus. Clubs also compete against continental rivals in the CFU Club Shield, CONCACAF Caribbean Cup, and CONCACAF Champions Cup.

History

Foundation

It was created in 1937 and is headed by the Fédération Haïtienne de Football, the official governing body of football in the country. The league champion qualifies for the CONCACAF Caribbean Cup for a spot to participate in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. 20 teams participate in this league and compete for the national title. Racing CH, with 14 national titles, is the most successful club in the league to date.

Clubs

Members for 1990

The following 18 clubs competed in the 1989-1990 season. * America des Cayes * Arcahaie FC * AS Capoise * AS Cavaly * AS Mirebalais * Baltimore SC * Cosmopolites SC * Don Bosco FC * FC Juventus des Cayes * FICA * Ouanaminthe FC * Racing Club Haïtien * Racing Gonaïves FC * Real Hope FA * Tempête FC * Triomphe Liancourt FC * US Rivartibonitienne * Violette AC

Previous winners

Since 2002 (with the exception of 2012 and 2013), the league has employed a two-stage season with separate champions for both stages, a system found in many Latin American countries. In French-speaking Haiti, "O" stands for ''Ouverture'' (opening), corresponding to the Spanish ''Apertura'', and "F" stands for ''Fermeture'' or "C" stands for ''Clôture'' (closing), corresponding to the Spanish ''Clausura''.

Performance By Club

Top goalscorers

Media coverage

The Haitian Football Federation has an exclusive broadcasting agreement with French premium pay TV channel, Canal+. The agreement was made official on 7 March 2016, a five-year deal to start at the end of April, 2016. However the financial details are not disclosed. The deal includes coverage and live broadcasts; 15 matches of its choice for the 2016 season as well as interviews before and after each match. Canal+ Haiti, a subsidiary, offers three packages to view games domestically.

References

External links

League
at FIFA
Equipes et clubs de Football
at Haiti-Référence
Club mottos
at Haiti-Tempo {{DEFAULTSORT:Ligue Haitienne 1 Haiti 1937 establishments in Haiti Sports leagues established in 1937