It clearly states in the help section your answer:

"League generation

At the end of day 2, leagues are generated attempting to fit as many friends who are the same level in the same league as possible. Your friends who end up in the same league as you are colored blue in the league table. If there are not enough players to create a league, players from lower levels may be selected to fill the gap; for example, this may result in a level 10 league with 13 clubs with level 10 and 1 club with level 9."

I do agree it's not the best way, but it has always been that way. I personally think that when they put you a League up, not just the Scouts but Negotiation and TL should be as high a level as any league you are in.

You could stop playing, or you could "tank" a season or two, or jump a few levels down by Taking Over a Team Seeking a Manager.