Definition
2021 Esiliiga B was the 2021 edition of the Esiliiga B, the third tier of the Estonian football league system. The competition served as a pathway for promotion to the second‑tier Esiliiga and relegation to the fourth‑tier II Liiga.
Overview
The 2021 season was organized by the Estonian Football Association (Eesti Jalgpalli Liit) and took place during the typical Estonian football calendar, commencing in early spring and concluding in late autumn of 2021. Ten clubs participated in a double round‑robin format, playing each other twice (home and away) for a total of 18 matches per team. Standard association football point rules applied: three points for a win, one point for a draw, and none for a loss.
At the conclusion of the season, the top two teams earned promotion to the 2022 Esiliiga, while the bottom‑placed teams faced relegation to the 2022 II Liiga. In addition to league competition, clubs also contested the Estonian Cup, which runs concurrently with the league season.
Etymology/Origin
The term Esiliiga B is derived from Estonian, where esiliiga translates directly as “first league” and the suffix B designates it as the secondary division within that tier. The naming convention reflects the hierarchical structure of Estonian football, with Meistriliiga (Premier League) at the top, followed by Esiliiga (First League), and Esiliiga B (First League B) as the third level.
Characteristics
- Tier Level: Third tier of Estonian men’s football.
- Number of Teams: Typically ten clubs (the exact 2021 roster of clubs is documented by the Estonian Football Association).
- Competition Format: Double round‑robin; each club plays 18 matches.
- Promotion/Relegation: Top two clubs promoted to Esiliiga; lowest‑placed clubs relegated to II Liiga.
- Season Duration: Spring to autumn (approximately March–November 2021).
- Governing Body: Estonian Football Association (EJL).
Accurate information about the specific champion, final standings, and individual statistical leaders for the 2021 season is not confirmed in publicly available sources.
Related Topics
- Esiliiga B: General overview of the league’s structure and history.
- Esiliiga: The second tier of Estonian football.
- Meistriliiga: Estonia’s top‑flight football competition.
- 2021 Estonian Football Season: Broader context of football activities in Estonia during 2021.
- Estonian Football Association (EJL): Governing body responsible for the organization of football leagues in Estonia.