MNL tournament is back after pandemic: 2023 MNL tournament to kick off February 21

Myanmar National League tournament is back this year after a two-year absence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2023 MNL tournament will be held from 21st February to 29th October with 12 clubs at Youth Training Centre in Thuwanna and Yangon United Sports Complex stadium in Hlaing Township.

A press conference of the host broadcaster Shwe Than Lwin Media Co., Ltd-(Sky Net) to broadcast Myanmar National League Tournament (MNL) 2023 was held at Thuwunna Stadium on Saturday.

CEO, Myanmar National League, Soe Moe Kyaw said "At Thuwunna stadium, 3 or 4 matches will play in a week and at YUSC stadium, 2 or 3 matches will play. This year, the cash prize will be awarded at the same amount of the previous year. In the previous year, Gold Cup, gold medal for each person and 60 million Kyats were awarded to the first prize winner and silver medal for each person and 40 million were awarded to the second prize winner, bronze medal for each person and 30 million were awarded to the third prize winner and 20 million and 10 million were presented to fourth and fifth prize winners respectively. "

The tournament is held to develop the Myanmar Football Sports. This year, at the player registration, at least three players under 22 should have to register at MNL 1 and two have to add on study list. At MNL 2, at least three players Under-19 should register and like the MNL 1. The aim at doing this is to emerge youth players and to create opportunities to play for them. If they have chance to play, as the coaches will gain a lot of choices for constituting national teams in the age-level.

Shan United FC, Yangon United FC, Hantharwady United FC, Myawady FC, Ayeyawady United FC, Yadanarbon FC, ISPE FC, Mahar United FC, GFA FC, Rakhine United FC, Dagon Star United FC, and Kachin United FC will take part in the tourney.

Deputy Managing Director, Sky Net, Tint San said "We will air live broadcasting of 22 matches before SEA Game. We will take a break at the SEA Game period. After this period, we will air 33 matches. We will broadcast these matches at Sky Net Sport 4, MNTV and Channel 9. In addition to the live broadcast football tournament, we are preparing to make analysis program of the players and their life. And then, we will create short videos and documentary video about the club founders how they struggle to establish their teams."

A total of 132 matches will play at the 8-month tourney. The 2023 Myanmar National League (MNL) will be the fourteenth season of first-division domestic football in Myanmar.