Competition Format and Sponsorship
Competition Format and Sponsorship
Each of the 20 Premier League clubs play each other twice during a season, one at home and one away. Three points are awarded for a win, with one for a draw and none for a defeat. The team with the most points at the end of the season wins the championship; if there are teams level on points then goal difference is the deciding factor. The three clubs at the bottom of the table are relegated to the Football League Championship, and are replaced with three clubs from that division – the two highest finishers and one winner of a play-off for third to sixth placed sides.
European Qualification
As it currently stands, the top four Premier League finishers automatically qualify for the UEFA Champions League – three go straight into the group stage while the 4th place finisher must enter via a play-off round. Fifth place gains enter to the UEFA Europa League, while sixth and seventh can also qualify depending on the winners of the FA Cup and League Cup. If one or both of the cup winners has already qualified for Europe then the sixth and seventh clubs are eligible for entry. The team at the top of the Fair Play standings can also qualify for Europe if the Premier League has one of the three highest Fair Play rankings in Europe.
From 2005 onwards, the UEFA Champions League winner automatically gains entry into next season’s competition regardless of their league position. However, if that club’s league already have four direct Champions League qualifiers hen the holders will qualify at the expense of the fourth-placed team.
Sponsorship
Here are the list of Premier League sponsors and the official name of the division during their sponsorship:
1993–2001: Carling (FA Carling Premiership)
2001–2004: Barclaycard (Barclaycard Premiership)
2004–2007: Barclays (Barclays Premiership)
2007–present: Barclays (Barclays Premier League)