Nelonen (football)
Nelonen or IV divisioona is the fifth level in the Finnish football league system and comprises 159 teams. The IV divisioona was introduced in 1973 and in the mid-1990s became known as the Nelonen.
Competition
There are 159 clubs in the Nelonen, divided in 14 groups of 9 to 12 teams each representing a geographical area. During the course of a season each club normally plays the others twice, once at their home ground and once at that of their opponents. The top team in each Nelonen group is normally promoted to Kolmonen and the two lowest placed teams are normally relegated to the Vitonen.Administration
Football Association of Finland (SPL)
The Football Association of Finland administered the Nelonen from 1973 until 1986. There were 18 sections which were divided on a regional basis with between 10 and 12 teams in each.District Football Associations
Since 1987 the administration of the Nelonen has been delegated to the 12 district authorities of the SPL. Responsibilities for the 14 sections are divided as follows:- SPL Helsinki - 2 sections
- SPL Uusimaa - 2 sections
- SPL Kaakkois-Suomi - 1 section
- SPL Itä-Suomi - 1 section
- SPL Keski-Suomi - 1 section
- SPL Pohjois-Suomi - 2 sections
- SPL Keski-Pohjanmaa - 1 section
- SPL Vaasa - 1 section
- SPL Satakunta - 1 section
- SPL Tampere - 1 section
- SPL Turku and Åland FF - 1 section
Current clubs - 2012 Season
Helsinki - Lohko 1 | Helsinki - Lohko 2 | Uusimaa - Lohko 1 |
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Uusimaa - Lohko 2 | Kaakkois-Suomi ' | Itä-Suomi ' |
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Keski-Suomi | Pohjois-Suomi - Lappi | Pohjois-Suomi - Oulu |
Keski-Pohjanmaa | Vaasa | Satakunta |
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Tampere | Turku and Ahvenanmaa | |
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