This extension results from the relegation of two teams from the II League, namely Cova da Piedade and Casa Pia, from the 70 emblems that remained, since there were no descents to the districts, from the 20 promoted from regional competitions and from four new B teams.
The 96 clubs will be organized into eight series of 12 teams, in which the champions will qualify for access to the II League, the next four (from the second to the fifth) for access to the III League and the last four (from the ninth to the 12th) are demoted to the district.
The two places for the second step will be played in two series of four teams, with the winner of each team rising. Access to the III League, on the other hand, provides for eight series of four clubs, placing the first two in the new competition.
The number of clubs competing in non-professional competitions, III Liga and Campeonato de Portugal, will reduce to 76 in 2023/24.
According to the FPF, the III League will be played by 24 clubs in 2021/22 and 2022/23, being reduced to 20 in 2023/24, while the Championship of Portugal will have 60 in 2021/22 and 56 in 2022 / 23 and 2023/24.
The FPF aims to ensure the greatest possible number of balanced projects, increase competitiveness, improve the quality of play, bring fans of local football closer together and create development spaces for the young Portuguese player.
In view of the covid-19 pandemic, national and district football competitions, except for the I Liga and the Portuguese Cup, were concluded early.
