The Bhutan Premier League has begun its new season with new player regulations as the league sees a rise in international signings. The rules came into effect from the opening matches on Saturday. Ten teams are competing in this season’s league.
Clubs are strengthening their squads with foreign players, a move expected to raise the overall quality of the competition.
To support this growth, the league has introduced regulations to ensure a balance between international experience and opportunities for Bhutanese players.
Under the new league regulations, each club can register up to 14 non-Bhutanese players. This includes nine from non-SAARC countries and five from SAARC member nations.
On match day, however, only a maximum of eight foreign players can be on the field at any one time, with restrictions on each category.
Up until now, each club could sign nine foreign players and five were allowed on the field.
“This will definitely bring an edge to them, and then they will also develop simultaneously. So I feel that the new rule of 5+3, five foreigners plus three, will definitely benefit the standard of the league, as well as the individual Bhutanese players who are training with the team and playing in the BOB Bhutan Premier League,” said Pushpalal Sharma, Coach, Paro FC.
This season, more than 40 foreign players have joined the league, with seven out of the ten participating clubs bringing in international talent.
Coaches and players say the inclusion of foreign players brings experience, tactical awareness, and exposure to different styles of play, which can significantly improve the level of competition.
At the same time, some clubs are focusing on local talent.
“It will bring significant benefits for us. We have focused on providing more opportunities to young Bhutanese players and have not signed any foreign players. However, this approach will benefit us by giving our players valuable international exposure, especially as they compete against clubs that include foreign players,” said Kinley Dorji, Coach, Ugyen Academy Football Club.
“As many Bhutanese clubs bring in foreign players, it will help us improve our level of play. It also gives us a valuable opportunity to learn from their experience and skills,” said Jigdrel Dorji, Captain, Ugyen Academy Football Club.
Foreign players, meanwhile, say they are committed to contributing positively.
“I hope to help local players in Bhutan by offering more encouragement and sharing my experience. So, that’s the help I want to give the local players here in Bhutan. I’ve travelled a lot. I have experience in adapting to players. So, it’s easy for me to cope with my teammates because I have this experience; I know how to play with them and how to speak with them. So, for me, it’s not that difficult,” said John Owoeri, Forward, Thimphu FC.
The second registration window for the season will open from the 1st of June to the 30th of July.
With more international players and clear rules in place, this season of the Bhutan Premier League is expected to be competitive, inclusive and enriching for both players and fans.
Namgay Wangdi
Edited by Sonam Pem
