By Tara Murray
The FV state league competition division structure will expand from 2026 for both the men’s and women’s competitions.
The same structures as 2024 will be in place for this year’s seasons for both competitions, before from 2026 the state leagues will expand from the current five-division structure to seven divisions for the men’s competition and eight divisions for the women’s competition.
Football Victoria said the decision follows extensive consultation with clubs over recent seasons, and introduces a more streamlined and consistent framework for competition.
Under the new model, all leagues within each division will be zoned geographically into north-west and south-east regions.
Currently the top state league competitions for men’s and women’s are split into north-west and south-east regions, while the lower state league grades are single regions.
Football operations executive manager Dan Birrell said the move is designed to enhance the competitiveness and growth opportunities within the leagues.
“These changes will align the entire senior community football pyramid,” he said. “The shift in structure will provide clubs with a streamlined competition format, while the introduction of a two-up, two-down promotion and relegation process ensures increased competitiveness and fairness across all levels.”
The changes will include a standardised promotion and relegation system across all divisions will provide clubs with a clear pathway for progression.
Unclear promotion and relegation has been something a number of clubs have previously complained about. Some divisions have had one side promoted and others have had two sides promoted and it has changed from year to year.
In 2026, the new state league 6 men’s competition will contain teams from this year’s state league 4 and five, while state league 7 will contain teams from the state league 5 competitions.
Further information will be shared once the 2025 final league structures are confirmed late in January.
