Many nations across the football world have clubs appearing in a league system that is not native to them.
The most high profile of these is AS Monaco, who play within the French league system despite being based in a separate nation.
Here, at the Sporting Loft we present five leagues you can attempt to conquer with clubs who happen to be situated outside of the country of origin.
La Liga – FC Andorra
The name of the club will give away the nation they are situated in – but FC Andorra have strong foundations for success.
They were recently promoted to the Spanish second tier and are funded by Gerard Pique’s Kosmos holding group.
Andorran talent will appear in your youth system, providing the minnow nation with the best system for prospects to develop in.
Toppling the mighty Barcelona and Real Madrid will be a tough ask – but with the backing of an entire nation behind you, can you deliver a La Liga title to Andorra?
Malaysia Super League – DPMM FC
A club who have been a guest side in previous Football Manager titles is DPMM FC, who are situated in Brunei.
However, there remains a unique perspective for DPMM as they previously participated in the Singapore Premier League whereas now they ply their trade in Malaysia.
You will not be able to take a continental spot from a Malaysian outfit – however, the league title is still a possibility.
Can you take a club with previous success in Singapore to glory in Malaysia with Bruneian internationals? Only time will tell.
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Premier League – Merthyr Town
Despite currently playing in the National League North, Merthyr Town remain under the jurisdiction of the Welsh FA for discipline and administrative measures.
Similarly to Swansea, Wrexham, Cardiff and Newport, Merthyr play in the English pyramid despite their Welsh geographical location and remain in contention for back to back promotions to the fifth tier.
The rise from the sixth tier to the Premier League can be a long journey for most FM players – but can you go one better and establish Welsh dominance in the top flight.
Bonus points if you can cultivate a strong core of Welsh talent in your squad that takes you to the top!
MLS – Vancouver Whitecaps
One of three Canadian clubs in Major League Soccer, Vancouver Whitecaps provide a unique prospect for managers looking for a different league system and environment.
The MLS rules will give many managers a headache but this provides a great opportunity for an equal playing field and tests your transfer knowledge.
Thomas Muller will be at your disposal when you join the club and provides a creative outlet for your attack if you pair him with strong athletes.
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will prove strong opponents when approaching the knockout stage of the league season – but can you outfox the greatest of all time to take home the trophy?
A-League – Wellington Phoenix
Wellington Phoenix were the sole New Zealand representative in the Australian A-League until the introduction of Auckland FC in 2024.
Yet despite being in the league for 17 years before this introduction Auckland FC still won a trophy before them.
The Nix are the only team in the A-League to have never won a trophy and has never made a grand final.
Can you be the first manager in Wellington’s history to bring home silverware and establish Kiwi dominance in the A-League?
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