Marc Stamp, Star Writer

The 2013-14 Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) season is set to kick off this Sunday and will do so with a new format, going back on a change made by local football's governing body eight years ago.

The official announcement is expected to be made today at a press conference at the Jamaica Football Federation headquarters today. In 2005, the format was changed to a straight league system, with the team ending on the most points declared the winner outright, under then former Jamaica Football Federation president Crenston Boxhill administration.

knock-out phase

It was thought that the move would have encouraged consistent football and reward the league's best overall team. The RSPL, that is collectively run by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), the Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA) and the Professional Football Association of Jamaica (PFAJ) will now see three preliminary rounds, then a knock-out phase involving the top-eight teams. After the preliminary rounds there will be a quarter-final then semi-final and final.

"It is fair to say that in the last two years a number of voices in football were calling for a change in format. One of those voices is that of sponsor, Red Stripe. The clubs did not object, hence the decision came for a change," Carvel Stewart, vice-chairman of the PLCA said yesterday.

Meanwhile, president of the JFF Captain Horace Burrell, when contacted yesterday, says he is yet to be briefed on the change.

"I am just coming into the island. I have not been briefed as yet so I am not in a position to make any comment at this time."

The JFF issued a media advisory that a press conference for the RSPL's new season will be held tomorrow morning at its offices in New Kingston.

Defending champions Harbour View will headline the 12 teams that will be participating in the new season. The other teams are Waterhouse, Boys' Town, Tivoli Gardens, Sporting Central Academy, Arnett Gardens , Cavalier, Humble Lion, Montego Bay United, Portmore United, as well as the promoted duo of Rivoli United and August Town.