relegation

Relegation is the process by which teams in a sports league drop to a lower division for the following season because their performance was among the poorest in the current season. It is a key feature of the promotion and relegation system used in many association football leagues and some other team sports, particularly in Europe and parts of the Americas.

In most football leagues, a fixed number of bottom finishers are automatically relegated to the division below, while the top finishers from the lower division are promoted in their place. Some leagues also use relegation playoffs to decide additional spots or to determine seedings for the following season. Tie-breakers such as goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head records, or disciplinary points may determine relegation in the event of a points tie. In some countries, relegation can also occur for financial or licensing reasons, not only for on-field results.

Relegation has substantial implications for clubs, including reduced television revenue, sponsorship exposure, and changes to player budgets and contracts. It can also affect stadium requirements, fan support, and long-term planning. Conversely, promotion to a higher division can bring increased revenue and prestige.

Although relegation is common in many football systems, it is not universal. Some leagues operate a closed system without relegation, while others employ alternative risk models, such as multi-year performance averages to determine relegation (as used in certain South American leagues).