Although only three rounds remain in the 2024/25 Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina season, many uncertainties still persist—most of which could be resolved in Round 31, scheduled to take place from Friday to Sunday.
It has been known since the start of the season that, due to a competition reorganization which will reduce the Premier League to ten clubs, four teams will be relegated. It is already clear that Sloboda, GOŠK, and Igman will be going down—although Igman could theoretically stay up in the most unlikely of scenarios, as they still have to face title contenders Zrinjski and Borac. This means one more team is still to be relegated—or possibly a team that might enter a playoff to retain top-flight status. Specifically, if a club from the Federation of BiH finishes ninth, they will enter a playoff with the First League of FBiH champion. However, if that ninth-placed team is from Republika Srpska, they will be relegated automatically to the First League of RS.
Currently, Velexh (6th), Posušje (7th), Široki Brijeg (8th), and Radnik (9th) are all trying to avoid the perilous ninth place. In theory, Sloga could also go down, but the team from Doboj will likely secure safety in the next round when they host Sloboda.
Of the teams in danger, Velež is in the most favorable position with 38 points, but recent turbulence in the sporting department—several coaching and management changes—has left them on shaky ground heading into the final stretch. In Round 31, they host Sarajevo, then travel to Grbavica to play Željezničar, and close the season at home against Sloga. Three points from these final three matches would almost certainly secure their Premier League status.
Široki Brijeg (37 points) also enjoys a relatively favorable schedule. In the final round, they host already-relegated Sloboda—a match considered a near-certain three points. Before that, they welcome Željezničar to Pecara, and in between travel to face Sloga. A win against Željezničar would likely give them breathing room going into the final two matches.
Given the current standings, Posušje and Radnik appear to be in the most difficult position. Coincidentally, these two clubs will each host the only two remaining title contenders—Zrinjski and Borac—in Round 31. These matches could be decisive both for the championship title and for determining who finishes ninth.
The match at “Mokri Dolac” between Posušje and Zrinjski kicks off Saturday at 18:30. The stakes are huge for both sides—Posušje would likely secure safety with a win, while Zrinjski could all but clinch the title if victorious (their final two matches are against relegated Igman and GOŠK). A draw benefits neither side, but would be welcomed by both Radnik and Borac, who play a day later on Sunday at 15:15 at the Gradski Stadion in Bijeljina. If Posušje and Zrinjski draw, a Radnik win would move them above Posušje, while a Borac win would take them above Zrinjski and likely result in the title heading to Banja Luka once again (Borac closes the season by hosting Posušje and visiting Igman).
However, if Radnik beats Borac, the path to the title could reopen for the Banja Luka club in the final two rounds—but would also mean Radnik avoids relegation. On the other hand, if Zrinjski wins in Posušje, they virtually secure the championship, possibly giving a less motivated Borac an easier challenge in Bijeljina—potentially allowing Radnik to snatch three points and secure survival.
How it all unfolds remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Round 31 of the Premier League of BiH promises drama and uncertainty. Depending on the results, it will be determined whether the final two rounds (32 and 33) will be played simultaneously. According to the regulations of the Football Association of BiH, the last two rounds must be played at the same time—unless the Competition Committee decides otherwise due to the matches no longer affecting the standings.
Source: Glas Srpske
