The Kazakhstan Premier League is the highest division of professional football in Kazakhstan, governed by the Football Federation of Kazakhstan. Since the country's independence, the league has grown to become the dominant football competition in Central Asia. It typically features 14 clubs who play each other twice, with the team finishing top crowned champion and earning a spot in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers. The league is known for the dominance of a few powerhouse clubs, notably FC Astana (now FC Astana), which has represented Kazakhstan frequently in European group stages. The competition has attracted foreign players and coaches, raising its technical standard. It operates during a summer schedule (March to November) to avoid the harsh Kazakh winters, which is a distinctive characteristic among European leagues.