The Premier League (or Premiership) is the highest senior club league in English football[1] (soccer). It was formed in 1992, replacing the old Football League First Division, and now consists of the top 20 clubs. Each year three clubs are relegated, and three are promoted to the Premier League from the Football League Championship. The current Premier League champions (season 2016-17) are Chelsea F.C. and the league is currently sponsored by the banking and finance group Barclays. The top three clubs gain automatic entry to the European Champions League whilst the fourth-placed club must play a qualification match in order to participate in the first round.
The Premiership has attracted criticism because the vast majority of the teams stand little chance of winning; the only clubs with a realistic chance of success are Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, known as the 'Big Five'.
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