GFF’s new Elite League Cup to commence February 14

The battle lines have been drawn for Guyana’s top-flight heavyweights as the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) officially unveils the Elite League Cup 2026.

Kicking off on Saturday, 14 February at the National Training Centre in Providence, the three-week knockout sprint is more than just a hunt for silverware—it is a step in the restructuring of the Guyanese game, according to the GFF.

The nine Elite League teams have been split into three groups following a “structured seeding” process.

The tournament features Guyana’s top-tier clubs divided into three competitive pools and the GFF has utilised a structured seeding system, mirrored on FIFA and CONCACAF protocols, to ensure a balanced draw.

The unbeaten Slingerz FC, fresh from their dominant Elite League title win, headline Group A.

Meanwhile, defending League Cup champions Western Tigers face a formidable test in Group C against the military heavyweights of Guyana Defence Force FC.

Group A: Slingerz FC, Monedderlust FC, Ann’s Grove United FC; GROUP B: Police FC, Santos FC, Den Amstel FC and GROUP C: GDF FC, Western Tigers FC, Fruta Conquerors FC

The introduction of the Elite League Cup—alongside the upcoming Federation Cup in April—forms part of a broader strategy to professionalise local football.

In a move designed to “enhance player availability” for the senior national team, the GFF is shifting its primary season to an August-to-April schedule, beginning with the 2026–2027 campaign.

This alignment with FIFA’s global transfer windows is intended to improve the professional viability of local clubs and ensure that Guyana’s elite are “match-ready” for the international stage.

Despite repeated inquiries to the GFF’s public relations department, a definitive prize structure has yet to be confirmed. However, local media reports suggest a $1M winner’s purse, with $700,000 for the runner-up, $500,000 for third, and $300,000 for fourth.