The Lebanese Premier League is set to resume operations in the last weekend of January 2025, following a four-month suspension triggered by the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The league had been halted since September 2024 after the assassination of senior Hezbollah official Ibrahim Akil, and later Hassan Nasrallah.
Youth leagues across Lebanon have already restarted their activities last week, with the senior league's second round of matches scheduled for January 25, 2025. The resumption marks a significant step toward normalcy in Lebanese sports despite ongoing regional tensions.
Among the headline fixtures is a politically charged match between Nejmeh SC, a club associated with broader Lebanese national identity, and Al Ahed, a team with known ties to Hezbollah and predominantly supported by the Shiite community. This match symbolizes the complex interplay between sports and political identities in Lebanese society.
The league's return signals a cautious attempt to maintain civilian activities despite the broader regional conflict, though security measures remain heightened around sporting venues.
Al Hilal's comeback vs. Pakhtakor and Al Ahli's dominant win over Al-Rayyan secure their spots in the AFC Champions League quarters.