La AFA restores promotion and relegation in Argentina’s lower divisions from 2027

The Argentine Football Association approved the return of promotion and relegation to its lower divisions, with the system taking effect in 2027. The decision will not alter the Liga Profesional, which is due to begin its reduced tournament in the coming weeks.

How promotion will work

Competition will follow a home-and-away format, with each club hosting one match in its own stadium. The last two teams in each group will be relegated directly, while the third-from-last club among direct affiliates will play a two-legged series against a Primera B Metropolitana opponent. Indirect affiliates will face a Federal A club.

One detail remains unresolved: whether the previous sporting advantage will be maintained. Under that rule, a club fighting to preserve its category could qualify by drawing the aggregate tie. The AFA also confirmed that Primera Nacional will retain 36 teams, divided into two groups of 18, and that promotion series will be added to Primera C.

The latest promotion to the top division was played in the 2011/12 season, when River Plate was relegated by Belgrano at the Estadio Monumental. Promotion had subsequently been suspended amid the tension it created among players and institutions.