The season was initially scheduled to start in June,[1] but this was delayed until December as a consequence of the delay of the 2020 AFC Cup and 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in Asia and in the Maldives.

[3] On 22 July 2020, Football Association of Maldives announced that this season will be held with eight teams.

This is due to temporarily holding off the Premier League slots for the teams promoting from the Jazeera Championship as the 2020 edition was called off due to COVID-19 pandemic in the Maldives, meaning Foakaidhoo FC and Nilandhoo Sports Club are forced to play in the 2021 Jazeera Championship even though they survived relegation.

They replaced Victory Sports Club and New Radiant (both teams relegated after suspension due to financial reasons).

[3] Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules.