GRADED: SSL Expansion locations: Ladies and gentleman, it's expansion time!

[Malino8444]

SSL Expansion locations
Ladies and gentleman, it's expansion time!
In this article I will be discussing possible locations for a future SSL expansion. I have selected a multitude of countries & cities based on the following: Location, Footballing culture, Amount of players represented

Keep in mind that I do NOT count the academy teams! I’m aware some regions are already represented in the academy. This looks purely at the Major and Minor clubs currently in the SSL!


1. Clubs based on WSFC region
2. Amount of players per country
3. Football Culture and History
4. Final Verdict

1. Clubs based on WSFC region
   

Firstly I will be looking into the teams we already have, the WSFC regions that are represented and the amount of players of each country.

1. Picture of the current SSL organizations
   

1. 2. Picture of the amount of players in each country

The following WSFC regions are represented:
 

As you can see the following regions are not represented in the SSL:

Benelux
Norden
Eurasia

2. Amount of players per country
Now I also want to take a look at the countries with the most players, who currently do not have a club representing them. So if you look at picture 2 the top 5 consists of:



2 of these countries (Australia and Sweden) already have a place in the SSL Academy. But that doesn’t mean we should rule them out for a possible Major or Minor spot!

Personally I was quite surprised to see the spread of players in the SSL. Whilst discussing the topic of expansion on discord countries that came up where the likes of India, Morocco and Portugal, But in terms of players, they don’t have that many. This doesn't mean I am ruling them out for an expansion team. But I do think it's important to also prioritize the regions with the most players.

3. Football Culture and History
Football isn’t a sport for everyone. To some it's a lifestyle, a passion. People dedicate their entire lives to the beautiful game. And when choosing a location for a new club it's in my honest opinion that this is the most important part. 

Why put a club in a country/region that does not have much support for football, when the passionate football countries are being overlooked, just because of their location.

• Portugal:
  

Football has been passionately played in Portugal since the late 19th century, when students returning from England introduced the game, and it quickly became the nation’s most popular sport with the “Big Three” clubs—Benfica, Porto and Sporting—amassing devoted followings

• Netherlands:
  

From the founding of the KNVB in 1889 to the revolutionary “Total Football” of the 1970s, Dutch clubs like Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord and icons such as Johan Cruyff have made the Netherlands synonymous with tactical innovation and fan devotion

• Poland:
  

Polish supporters are renowned for their organized, often choreographed displays—turning their backs to the pitch in solidarity or lighting flares—and a fan movement that has evolved from communist-era terraces into one of Europe’s most fervent cultures

• Morocco:
  

The Atlas Lions have long been a force in Africa—winning the 1976 African Cup of Nations and, most recently, reaching the 2022 World Cup semi-finals—igniting nationwide celebrations and cementing football as a key element of Moroccan identity

• Nigeria:
  

Introduced by the British in 1904, football quickly became Nigeria’s national pastime; today, the Super Eagles’ multiple AFCON titles and generation of global stars (e.g. Jay-Jay Okocha) reflect a deeply rooted footballing passion

• Senegal:
  

Senegalese football embodies “Teranga” (hospitality) and national pride, exemplified by the Lions of Teranga’s historic run to the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals—the first African debutant to do so—sparking jubilant celebrations across Dakar

• Uruguay:
  

With two FIFA World Cup titles (1930, 1950), 15 Copa América crowns, and Olympic gold medals in 1924 and 1928, Uruguay’s “Celeste” are pillars of early international football success and national identity

• Suriname:
  

Though yet to make a World Cup, Surinamese football has a passionate following at home, and the diaspora in the Netherlands has produced legends like Clarence Seedorf and Ruud Gullit, underscoring Suriname’s outsized influence on global football 

• Chile:
  

Just like Nigeria, Football in chile was introduced by British sailors during the 19th century, football is Chile’s top sport; recent highs—including back-to-back Copa América wins in 2015 and 2016—reflect a tradition of vibrant club support (e.g. Colo-Colo) and national pride

• Iran:
  

The british have quite the influence when it comes to football, Football arrived in Iran in the early 20th century via British oil workers, and today the Persian national team is celebrated for its passionate stadium atmospheres, strong domestic league and regular World Cup appearances since 1978

• Indonesia:
  

From the colonial-era Perserikatan league (1930s) to sell-out crowds of over 60,000 for youth internationals in Jakarta, Indonesian football unites a vast archipelago through militant fan groups and deep local loyalties 

• India:
  

Home to one of the world’s oldest tournaments (the Durand Cup, 1888) and historic clubs like Mohun Bagan, India’s football story stretches back to the mid-1800s, with recent professional leagues (ISL) accelerating a revival of fan passion.



4. Final Verdict
So the final verdict! Keep in mind this is my personal opinion. With that being said, here are my ideas for possible new teams!

Nigeria:
Club Name: Eko Thunder FC
City: Lagos
Concept: A high-energy club representing the bustling spirit of Lagos.
Club colors: electric blue and white.

Eko Thunder FC, based in the heart of Lagos, embodies the energy, chaos, and creativity of Nigeria’s largest city. Founded to give a professional platform to Lagos’ vast street football talent, the club wears electric blue and white, symbolizing power and unity. With a vibrant fan culture Eko Thunder represents the voice of the urban youth and the spirit of Naija hustle, quickly becoming a cornerstone of Nigerian club football.

Reason: I think Nigeria is one of the best places to bring into the SSL. It's a huge country with a lot of football talent and culture. I believe Lagos, especially, is full of energy and passion for the game. Eko Thunder FC would be a great way to show off the kind of players Nigeria produces. Right now, Africa doesn’t have enough club representation in big leagues like the SSL, and I feel this club could change that.


Morocco:
Club Name: Atlas Lions Club
City: Fès
Concept: Inspired by Morocco’s national team nickname and the nearby Atlas Mountains. A club with a proud heritage. 
Club colors: crimson and gold.

Atlas Lions Club, based in the historic city of Fès, draws its strength from Morocco’s rich cultural heritage and the towering Atlas Mountains nearby. Dressed in crimson and gold, the team reflects pride, elegance, and endurance, just like the national team’s namesake. The club serves as a beacon of regional pride,  honoring traditional Moroccan values, art, and community spirit both on matchdays and beyond.

Reason: I believe Morocco deserves a spot in the SSL because of how strong and proud their national team is. They've proven they can compete at a high level, and I think a club from there would bring a lot of passion and pride. Fès is a beautiful and historic city, and I feel like it’s the perfect home for a club like Atlas Lions. Adding Morocco would also help balance out the league by giving North Africa the spotlight it deserves.


Iran:
Club Name: Persepolis Eagles
City: Shiraz
Concept: Combining historical legacy (Persepolis) with modern ambition. The eagle symbolizes vision and power. 
Club colors: black and emerald green.

Persepolis Eagles, hailing from the cultural heart of Shiraz, blend Iran’s ancient legacy with modern ambition. Taking inspiration from the ruins of Persepolis and the eagle as a symbol of foresight and strength, the club flies high in black and emerald green. With a deep connection to history and poetry, the Eagles have become a symbol of Persian pride, attracting a loyal following that bridges past and future in every match.

Reason: Right now, there are no clubs in the Middle East in the SSL, and I think Iran is the perfect place to start. I believe Iran has a deep love for football, and they’ve had many great players over the years. Persepolis Eagles would not only bring strong history and culture to the league but also give fans from that part of the world a club to connect with. I feel it’s time the Middle East had its own voice in a league like this.


Netherlands:
Club Name: Frisia '87
City: Leeuwarden
Club colors: Blue and white with red pompeblêden

Frisia '87 is a proud football club based in Leeuwarden, Friesland, founded in 1987 to represent Frisian identity both on and off the pitch. Playing at Het Skûtsje Stadion in blue and white with red pompeblêden, The club is know for a passionate fanbase that celebrates Frisian language and culture.

Reason: I get that Europe already feels packed with top-level clubs, but I think there’s a case to be made for making room for one more—and that one should be from the Netherlands. I believe the Dutch league has a rich history of nurturing world-class talent and playing attractive, technical football, which would only add to the SSL’s overall quality. The Netherlands is the second-largest country without representation in the league, and I feel it’s odd to overlook them just because “Europe is full.” All those established European clubs are there for good reason, but I think adding a Dutch side—Frisia ’87, for example—would bring fresh rivalries, tap into a passionate fan base, and highlight another footballing tradition that’s proven its global appeal.

I understand the Board of Directors and many SSL users might prefer to expand into new markets, and I respect that. Still, I’ll fight until my last breath for a Dutch club—Benelux deserves at least one place at the table. I believe that by including the Netherlands, the SSL wouldn’t be doubling up on Europe so much as simply recognizing a football powerhouse that’s been left out. I feel the balance of geographic diversity and footballing pedigree would actually be strengthened, not weakened, by giving the Dutch their rightful spot in the league.



Some logo's AI made for the clubs:






Well, that was my deep dive/analysis. I hope you enjoyed reading it, and once again, to all BoD’s: 5 Bucks for an european team.
- Malino

[Malino8444]

I have been informed that Cairo is east africa, Apologies for the misinformation!

[Domffl]

I love this! I appreciate how much effort went into it