The Azadegan League is the second tier of professional football in Iran. Established in 2001, it serves as a crucial step for clubs aiming to reach the top division, known as the Persian Gulf Pro League. The league features a promotion and relegation system, allowing teams to move between the two divisions based on their performance. The league typically consists of 18 teams that compete in a round-robin format, with each team playing home and away matches. The top teams at the end of the season earn promotion to the Persian Gulf Pro League, while the bottom teams face relegation to lower divisions.