2019 Euro Beach Soccer League
The 2019 Euro Beach Soccer League (EBSL) was the 22nd edition of the "Euro Beach Soccer League", the annual, premier competition in European beach soccer contested between men's national teams. It was organised by Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW), in a league and play-off format. This season, the competing teams continued to take part in two divisions: the top tier (Division A) and the bottom tier (Division B). 12 teams continued to contest Division A; all twelve teams returned from last season's top tier as none were relegated. Division B accommodated a record  16 nations: 14 nations who did not gain promotion from last season, Finland who made their debut, and the Netherlands who returned after an absence from competing in recent years. Due to the saturated 2019 international beach soccer calendar for European teams, this season was shortened considerably compared to the usual program. A total of just two "stages" of fixtures were scheduled during the regular season. Each team from Division A played in just one stage (compared to the usual two) whilst each team in Division B also played in one. At each stage the participating nations earned points for  the overall league tables. At the end of the regular season, according to the league tables, the eight best teams in Division A advanced to the post-season event, the Superfinal, to compete to become the winners of this year's EBSL. Meanwhile, the top seven teams in Division B (the four group winners and three best runners-up) and the team ranked bottom of Division A played in a different post-season event, the Promotion Final, to try to earn a spot in Division A next year. Azerbaijan, the defending Division A team in the Promotion Final, beat Kazakhstan  in the final to win the event, therefore retaining their Division A status for next season; for the second year running, no Division B nation earned promotion. Italy were the defending champions but were knocked out of title-winning contention in the group stage of the Superfinal, ultimately finishing fourth in the post-season event. The concluding match of the Superfinal was contested between Russia and Portugal, who were both looking to claim a record sixth European title. Portugal, on home sand, came from 2–0 down to win the match and claim their sixth EBSL crown. Calendar and locations. The  calendar below was revealed on 18 March 2019. Similarly to the 2008 and 2015 editions, this season's regular season schedule was truncated, down to just two stages, in order to accommodate the additional events taking up space in the international calendar, including Division A teams competing in just one stage each, compared to the usual two stages. Teams. The following 28 teams entered this season, divided into divisions A and B as shown (12 in Division A, 16 in Division B). The numbers in parentheses show the European ranking of each team prior to the start of the season , out of 36 nations. Stage 1 (Nazaré, 5–7 July). "Matches are listed as local time in Nazaré, WEST (UTC+1)" All matches took place at the "Estádio do Viveiro" on Praia de Nazaré (Nazaré Beach), in tandem with the hosting of the 2019 Women's Euro Beach Soccer Cup. The area has a capacity of 2,200. During this round, Georgia won their first ever matches in the EBSL, ultimately leading to a first stage title (in either division), meanwhile Spain reached a milestone of winning their 25th stage title. Goalkeeper Valentin Jaeggy made his 300th appearance for Switzerland on day 3 , marked with a commemorative jersey presented on-field by fellow players. Awards. The following were presented after the conclusion of the final day's matches. Individual awards apply to Division A only. Stage 2 (Catania, 16–18 August). "Matches are listed as local time in Catania, CEST (UTC+2)" All matches took place at the "Arena Beach Stadium" on the "Spiaggia libera numero 1" (Free beach number 1) section of Playa di Catania (Catania Beach), with a capacity of approximately 2,000. Finland made their EBSL debut during this stage. Awards. The following were presented after the conclusion of the final day's  matches. Individual awards apply to Division A only. League tables. "At end of regular season" Discipline. The following table lists the players and teams who received the most penalties for disciplinary infringements in both the regular and post season events.