2006 J.League Division 2


The 2006 J. League Division 2 season was the 35th season of the second-tier club football in Japan and the 8th season since the establishment of J2 League.
In this season, number of participating clubs became thirteen, increased by one from the previous season. The clubs competed in the quadruple round-robin format for the top two promotion slots. Farther, the third-placed finisher participated in the Pro/Rele Series for the promotion. There were no relegation to the third-tier Japan Football League.

General

Promotion and relegation

Changes in competition format

  • Number of participating clubs increased to 13 games
  • Each clubs will play 48 games instead 44 games

Changes in clubs

''none''

Clubs

Following thirteen clubs played in J. League Division 2 during 2006 season. Of these clubs, Kashiwa Reysol, Tokyo Verdy 1969, and Vissel Kobe relegated from J1 last year. Also, Ehime F.C. newly joined the J. League Division 2 from Japan Football League.

League format

Thirteen clubs played in quadruple round-robin format, a total of 48 games each. A club receives 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, and 0 points for a loss. The clubs are ranked by points, and tie breakers are, in the following order:
A draw would be conducted, if necessary. However, if two clubs are tied at the first place, both clubs will be declared as the champions. The top two clubs will be promoted to J1, while the 3rd placed club plays a two-legged Promotion/relegation series.

Schedule

The tournament ran from March 4 to December 2. With 13 teams, one team always had a bye each matchday, stretching the schedule over 52 weeks. Unlike J1, it continued uninterrupted during the World Cup in Germany.

Final league table