English Premier League and its Clubs

The Premier League operates within a system of promotion and relegation, with the established season running from August to May. Each registered team plays thirty-eight games, and this is a history that dates back to 1888.

The advantage of a lucrative television rights deal and fame via the primary football competition, have made it―the world's most watched sporting league! It is also the most lucrative, with combined club revenues that shoot into billions, basically due to the increase in media revenue. The system operations is within a tie-up with 20 'shareholder' clubs.

Till date, the Premier League has on record 49 clubs that have competed, but by far, the most well-known and recognized winners of the title are Manchester United, Chelsea, Blackburn Rovers, and Arsenal. The clubs are seasoned, having endured crumbling stadiums, poor facilities, and hooliganism.

England's win at the 1990 FIFA World Cup saw the rejuvenation of the systems operations. The five-year ban on English clubs was lifted for European competitions, stadium safety standards were upgraded, and expensive upgrades to the all-seater stadiums were sanctioned.

The generated funds netted in via media coverage, within preset deals create 'super leagues', and the Premier League, with the improved stadiums and match attendance and revenues also capitalizes on the money being invested in the sport.

The 1991 proposal for the establishment of a league that would attract more money into the game, witnessed the setting up of the FA Premier League. The top division enjoys commercial independence, and the ability to negotiate sponsorship agreements.

This has renewed interest in the game worldwide, since the English clubs once again compete with the best of Europe. It works under the rules applicable to a 'limited company', and is a breakaway from the old Football League.

The operations are supervised by the Chairman and a Board of Directors. The FA or Football Association is not directly involved in the routine operations. The Premier League votes and sends its representatives to UEFA's European Club Forum.

Within the 20 clubs, from August to May, each club plays the others twice, in 38 games. There are three points awarded for every win, and one point for every draw. The ranking is done on the basis of the total points, the goal difference, and those scored. The championship goes to the club with the most points.

The top four teams that qualify in the Premiership graduate to play the UEFA Championship League. The top two teams enter group phase, while the third and fourth teams enter the third qualifying round. The latter need to win a two-phased knockout tie to upgrade.

If the championship is won by a qualified team for Europe, then the League's UEFA Cup spot goes to the next highest team. The highest team that does not qualify for the UEFA Cup can compete in the Intertoto Cup-UEFA, in the next season. UEFA rules include that the defending champions qualify for the following year's competition, irrespective of ranking.

The Premier League, without doubt, is the most lucrative football league in the world. The clubs are among the richest in the world. Media coverage and stadium attendances are significant sources of regular income for the clubs.

Television has played a major role in the popularity of the Premier League, and money from television rights has helped the systems operations flaunt excellence, both on and off the field.