La AFA reactiva los ascensos con un formato que promete tensión y -Mal

La AFA reinstatedPromotion —no promotion—Approved the return of the promotion system for the 2027 tournament in Primera Nacional and the lower divisions. The decision was made by the Executive Committee on Thursday and leaves the Liga Profesional unaffected. In other words, there will be no immediate changes to the end of the current season.

A return to an old formula

The approved format is home and away, with each team playing at home. It is the same system that was used for thirteen seasons until 2012. The last two teams in each group will be relegated directly. The third-to-last team among direct affiliates will play a home-and-away series against a Primera B Metropolitana club. Indirect affiliates will face a Federal A team.

The schedule promises the kind of drama that often makes institutions and players lose their patience. However, one important issue remains unresolved: whether the so-called sports advantage will be maintained. That benefit allowed the team fighting to preserve its category to qualify by drawing the aggregate result.

• Primera Nacional will continue with 36 teams, divided into two groups of 18.
• The direct and indirect affiliate promotion series will be played home and away.
• The third and fourth divisions, Primera C, will also have the new promotion series.
• The measure will take effect in 2027.
• The Liga Profesional will not be included in the change.

Primera Nacional's structure was also confirmed. The competition will continue with 36 clubs split into two zones of 18. The AFA extended the promotion scheme to Primera C, where home-and-away series will be added to the direct promotion and relegation system already in place.

For supporters, the return brings back a familiar source of uncertainty. The main issue will be whether the advantage is maintained. Without that clarification, the rules are not yet completely defined. And, as always, the final word will be given by the ball on the field.