2014 Esiliiga

Definition:
The 2014 Esiliiga refers to the 24th season of the Esiliiga, the second-highest football (soccer) league in Estonia, which took place in the year 2014.

Overview:
The 2014 Esiliiga season was contested by ten clubs and operated on a system of promotion and relegation with the Meistriliiga (the top-tier league in Estonian football) and the Esiliiga B (the third division). The season typically runs from March to November, aligning with the standard European football calendar. Teams played each other four times (home and away twice), resulting in a total of 36 matches per team. At the end of the season, the league champion was awarded promotion to the Meistriliiga, while the bottom two teams were relegated to the Esiliiga B.

During the 2014 season, Nõmme Kalju II, the reserve team of Meistriliiga club Nõmme Kalju, emerged as champions. However, due to Estonian Football Association regulations, reserve teams are ineligible for promotion to the Meistriliiga. As a result, second-placed Paide Linnameeskond secured promotion. At the bottom, the two lowest-finishing teams—Jõhvi FC Lokomotiv and FC Tallinn—were relegated.

Etymology/Origin:
The word "Esiliiga" is derived from Estonian, where "esimene" means "first" and "liiga" means "league." The term "Esiliiga," however, refers specifically to the second division in Estonian football, with "Meistriliiga" (meaning "champions league") being the name of the top flight. The designation follows historical naming conventions established after Estonia regained independence in 1991 and reorganized its football league system.

Characteristics:

Ten participating clubs
Double round-robin format played four times per opponent (36 matches per team)
Promotion of the highest eligible team to Meistriliiga
Relegation of the bottom two teams to Esiliiga B
Reserve teams allowed to compete but ineligible for promotion

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