Did you recently re-install a new version of the game and used an old save?
Same thing has just happened to me. Although I am on a custom database, which very well could be the cause of the problem.
I personally would prefer a nationally based system, much like the premier league.
The lesser teams would populate the lower leagues until they mature enough to compete against the A-league teams. You would also be able to bring a team from the bottom all the way to glory.