Football in Latvia: Difference between revisions

Football in Latvia
Football in Latvia
Country	Latvia
Governing body	Latvian Football Federation
National team(s)	Latvia national football team
National competitions
	Latvian Cup
Club competitions
	Latvian Higher League
International competitions
	Champions League ; Europa League ; Europa Conference League ; Super Cup ; FIFA Club World Cup; FIFA World Cup (National Team); European Championship (National Team); UEFA Nations League (National Team)

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Football is the number one sport based on participation, but the third sport in Latvia after ice hockey and basketball based on popularity.^[1] Many other sports are also more popular than football in Latvia, but in recent years it has gained more popularity.^[2]^[3] The Latvian Football Federation (Latvian: Latvijas Futbola federācija) is the sport's national governing body.^[4]^[5] There is a league system, with the Higher League and First League serving as the top leagues in Latvia. The Latvian Second League is composed mostly of amateur teams.

The Latvian Cup is the main national cup competition in the country.

History

The Latvian Football Federation was founded in 1921. In 1922 The Latvian Football Federation joined FIFA.^[6] In 1940-1991, Latvia was part of the USSR and as an independent state did not take part in the World Cup and European championships. After gaining independence in 1992, membership was restored.

Domestic Football

Skonto FC were the most popular and successful football team in Latvia and have won the Latvian Higher League 14 times since independence from Russia.^[7]^[8]^[9] FK Ventspils and FK RFS are the only teams from Latvia which have played in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League (2009–10 and 2024–25, respectively). Also FK RFS reached group stage of the UEFA Conference League (2022–23 UEFA Europa Conference League).^[10] No Latvian team has ever reached the group stage of the UEFA Champions League.

League system

The table below illustrates the comprehensive structure of Latvian league football.^[11]

Note: Exact numbers of clubs at every level of the league system, particularly those at lower levels, are subject to change and are current as of the 2022 season.

Level	Total clubs (80 +-)	League(s) / division(s)
1	10	Higher League 10 clubs – 1 or 2 relegations
2	14	First League 14 clubs – 1 or 2 promotions, 2 or 3 relegations
3	16	Second League East 8 clubs – 0 to 3 promotions (2 to 3 nationwide), 0 to 4 relegations (4 nationwide)		Second League West 8 clubs – 0 to 3 promotions (2 to 3 nationwide), 0 to 4 relegations (4 nationwide)
4	37	Third League Centre 10 clubs – 0 to 2 promotions (4 nationwide)^[a]	Third League East 9 clubs – 0 to 2 promotions (4 nationwide)	Third League North 10 clubs – 0 to 2 promotions (4 nationwide)^[a]	Third League West 8 clubs – 0 to 2 promotions (4 nationwide)

National team

The Latvia national football team in 2003 qualified to Euro 2004.^[12]^[13] This resulted in being the first and currently only Baltic national team to do so.

Notes

^ ^a ^b Promotion to either the Second League East or Second League West is based on geographic factors.

References

^ "A German aims to improve the state of football in Latvia". dpa International. Retrieved 13 March 2019.
^ "Daugava's recipe for title success". UEFA.com. 2012-11-28. Retrieved 2013-11-15.
^ "Hard work bearing fruit for Latvia –". Uefa.com. Retrieved 2013-11-15.
^ "When Saturday Comes - Riga mortis". Wsc.co.uk. Retrieved 2013-11-15.
^ "BBC SPORT | Football | Euro 2004 | Latvia | How they qualified: Latvia". BBC News. 2004-05-21. Retrieved 2013-11-15.
^ "Latvian football survives setbacks | Inside UEFA". UEFA.com. July 9, 2018.
^ Bousfield, Jonathan (13 March 2019). Baltic States. Rough Guides. ISBN 9781858288406. Retrieved 13 March 2019 – via Google Books.
^ Fuller, Stuart (17 October 2016). The Football Tourist: The Second Half. Ockley Books. ISBN 9781912022519. Retrieved 13 March 2019 – via Google Books.
^ "Skonto FC declared insolvent". eng.lsm.lv. Retrieved 13 March 2019.
^ "Hearts to face Fiorentina, Istanbul Basaksehir & RFS in Europa Conference League". bbc.com. BBC. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
^ "Latvijas Futbola federācija". lff.lv (in Latvian). Retrieved 2022-12-29.
^ uefa.com. "UEFA EURO 2004 - History - Latvia". UEFA.com. Retrieved 13 March 2019.
^ "Johnson's vision provides cause for celebration in Latvia and Yeovil". The Independent. 22 November 2003. Retrieved 13 March 2019.

External links

League321.com - Latvian football league tables, records & statistics database (in English)

This association football article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

This article about sports in Latvia is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

[geography-12] Promotion to either the Second League East or Second League West is based on geographic factors.

[1] "A German aims to improve the state of football in Latvia". dpa International. Retrieved 13 March 2019.

[2] "Daugava's recipe for title success". UEFA.com. 2012-11-28. Retrieved 2013-11-15.

[3] "Hard work bearing fruit for Latvia –". Uefa.com. Retrieved 2013-11-15.

[4] "When Saturday Comes - Riga mortis". Wsc.co.uk. Retrieved 2013-11-15.

[5] "BBC SPORT | Football | Euro 2004 | Latvia | How they qualified: Latvia". BBC News. 2004-05-21. Retrieved 2013-11-15.

[6] "Latvian football survives setbacks | Inside UEFA". UEFA.com. July 9, 2018.

[7] Bousfield, Jonathan (13 March 2019). Baltic States. Rough Guides. ISBN 9781858288406. Retrieved 13 March 2019 – via Google Books.

[8] Fuller, Stuart (17 October 2016). The Football Tourist: The Second Half. Ockley Books. ISBN 9781912022519. Retrieved 13 March 2019 – via Google Books.

[9] "Skonto FC declared insolvent". eng.lsm.lv. Retrieved 13 March 2019.

[10] "Hearts to face Fiorentina, Istanbul Basaksehir & RFS in Europa Conference League". bbc.com. BBC. Retrieved 31 July 2023.

[11] "Latvijas Futbola federācija". lff.lv (in Latvian). Retrieved 2022-12-29.

[13] uefa.com. "UEFA EURO 2004 - History - Latvia". UEFA.com. Retrieved 13 March 2019.

[14] "Johnson's vision provides cause for celebration in Latvia and Yeovil". The Independent. 22 November 2003. Retrieved 13 March 2019.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Short description|none}}
 {{Infobox sport overview
 | title         = Football in Latvia
@@ Line 10: / Line 12: @@
 | noncountry    = <!-- other country this country represents -->
 | teamlabel1    = <!-- overrides the "National team" label with custom label -->
-| nationalteam  = [[Latvia national football team|Latvia national football team]]
+| nationalteam  = [[Latvia national football team]]
 | teamlabel2    = <!-- overrides the "Representative team" label with customer label -->
 | repteam       = <!-- overrides the representative team link, requires full wikitext syntax -->
@@ Line 19: / Line 21: @@
 | national_list = [[Latvian Cup]]
 | club_list     = [[Latvian Higher League]]
-| intl_list     = [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] <br> [[UEFA Europa League|Europa League]] <br> [[UEFA Super Cup|Super Cup]] <br>[[FIFA Club World Cup]]<br>[[FIFA World Cup]](National Team)<br> [[UEFA European Championship|European Championship]](National Team)
+| intl_list     = [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] <br> [[UEFA Europa League|Europa League]] <br> [[UEFA Europa Conference League|Europa Conference League]] <br> [[UEFA Super Cup|Super Cup]] <br>[[FIFA Club World Cup]]<br>[[FIFA World Cup]] (National Team)<br> [[UEFA European Championship|European Championship]] (National Team)<br> [[UEFA Nations League]] (National Team)
 | match         =
 | league        =
 }}
-Football is not a national sport in Latvia, but in recent years it has gained more popularity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=lva/news/newsid=1899455.html |title=Daugava's recipe for title success |publisher=UEFA.com |date=2012-11-28 |accessdate=2013-11-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=lva/news/newsid=942703.html |title=Hard work bearing fruit for Latvia – |publisher=Uefa.com |date= |accessdate=2013-11-15}}</ref> The [[Latvian Football Federation]] ({{Lang-lv|Latvijas Futbola federācija}}) is the sport's national governing body<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wsc.co.uk/the-archive/32-Managers/3270-riga-mortis |title=When Saturday Comes - Riga mortis |publisher=Wsc.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2013-11-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2004/latvia/3667261.stm |title=BBC SPORT &#124; Football &#124; Euro 2004 &#124; Latvia &#124; How they qualified: Latvia |publisher=BBC News |date=2004-05-21 |accessdate=2013-11-15}}</ref> There is a league system, with the [[Latvian Higher League|Higher League]] and [[Latvian First League|First League]] on top. There are also national cup competitions, with most notable [[Latvian Cup]].
+'''[[Association football|Football]]''' is the  number one sport based on participation, but the third sport '''in [[Latvia]]''' after [[ice hockey]] and [[basketball]] based on popularity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dpa-international.com/topic/german-aims-improve-state-football-latvia-170329-99-855524|title=A German aims to improve the state of football in Latvia|website=dpa International|access-date=13 March 2019}}</ref> Many other sports are also more popular than football in Latvia, but in recent years it has gained more popularity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=lva/news/newsid=1899455.html |title=Daugava's recipe for title success |publisher=UEFA.com |date=2012-11-28 |access-date=2013-11-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=lva/news/newsid=942703.html |title=Hard work bearing fruit for Latvia – |publisher=Uefa.com |access-date=2013-11-15}}</ref> The [[Latvian Football Federation]] ({{Langx|lv|Latvijas Futbola federācija}}) is the sport's national governing body.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wsc.co.uk/the-archive/32-Managers/3270-riga-mortis |title=When Saturday Comes - Riga mortis |publisher=Wsc.co.uk |access-date=2013-11-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2004/latvia/3667261.stm |title=BBC SPORT &#124; Football &#124; Euro 2004 &#124; Latvia &#124; How they qualified: Latvia |work=BBC News |date=2004-05-21 |access-date=2013-11-15}}</ref> There is a league system, with the [[Latvian Higher League|Higher League]] and [[Latvian First League|First League]] serving as the top leagues in Latvia. The [[Latvian Second League]] is composed mostly of amateur teams.
+The [[Latvian Cup]] is the main national cup competition in the country.
-The [[Latvia national football team]] in 2004 qualified to [[UEFA Euro 2004|Euro 2004]]. This resulted in being the first and currently only [[Baltic states|Baltic]] team to do so.
+==History==
+The Latvian Football Federation was founded in 1921. In 1922 The Latvian Football Federation  joined FIFA.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/member-associations/LVA/news/025b-0ee53f2a1fdc-e1589aad4e3d-1000--latvian-football-survives-setbacks/|title=Latvian football survives setbacks &#124; Inside UEFA|date=July 9, 2018|website=UEFA.com}}</ref> In 1940-1991, Latvia was part of the USSR and as an independent state did not take part in the World Cup and European championships. After gaining independence in 1992, membership was restored.
+==Domestic Football==
+[[Skonto FC]] were the most popular and successful football team in Latvia and have won the [[Latvian Higher League]] 14 times since independence from Russia.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z5AuN15X4nQC&q=skonto+riga&pg=PA225|title=Baltic States|first=Jonathan|last=Bousfield|date=13 March 2019|publisher=Rough Guides|isbn=9781858288406|access-date=13 March 2019|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GVF9DQAAQBAJ&q=skonto+riga&pg=PT188|title=The Football Tourist: The Second Half|first=Stuart|last=Fuller|date=17 October 2016|publisher=Ockley Books|isbn=9781912022519|access-date=13 March 2019|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/sport/skonto-fc-declared-insolvent.a213277/|title=Skonto FC declared insolvent|website=eng.lsm.lv|access-date=13 March 2019}}</ref>
+[[FK Ventspils]] and [[FK RFS]] are the only teams from Latvia which have played in the group stage of the [[UEFA Europa League]] ([[2009–10 UEFA Europa League|2009–10]] and [[2024–25 UEFA Europa League|2024–25]], respectively). Also [[FK RFS]] reached group stage of the [[UEFA Conference League]] ([[2022–23 UEFA Europa Conference League]]).<ref>{{cite web |title=Hearts to face Fiorentina, Istanbul Basaksehir & RFS in Europa Conference League |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/62685009 |website=bbc.com |publisher=BBC |access-date=31 July 2023}}</ref> No Latvian team has ever reached the group stage of the [[UEFA Champions League]].
 ==League system==
+{{main|Latvian football league system}}
-{| class="wikitable" cellpadding="0" style="text-align:center; width:100%;"
-|- style="background:#efefef;"
+The table below illustrates the comprehensive structure of Latvian league football.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Latvijas Futbola federācija |url=https://lff.lv/sacensibas/viriesi/optibet-virsliga/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=lff.lv |language=lv}}</ref>
-|  style="width:4%; text-align:center;"|
-'''Level'''
+''Note: Exact numbers of clubs at every level of the league system, particularly those at lower levels, are subject to change and are current as of the [[2022 Latvian Higher League|2022 season]].''
-| colspan="12"  style="width:96%; text-align:center;"|
-'''League(s)/Division(s)'''
+{|class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
+|-
+!width=5%|
+Level
+!Total clubs (80 +-)
+!colspan="32" width=95%|
+League(s) / division(s)
 |-
+|
-|  style="text-align:center; width:4%; background:#efefef;"|
+|10
-| colspan="12"  style="width:96%; text-align:center;"|
+|colspan="32"|
-'''[[Latvian Higher League]]'''<br>
-''8 clubs''<br />
+'''[[Latvian Higher League|Higher League]]'''<br />
+''10 clubs'' – 1 or 2 relegations
 |-
+|
-|  style="text-align:center; width:4%; background:#efefef;"|
+|14
-| colspan="12"  style="width:96%; text-align:center;"|
+|colspan="32"|
-'''[[Latvian First League]]'''<br>
-''15 clubs''<br />
+'''[[Latvian First League|First League]]'''<br />
+''14 clubs'' – 1 or 2 promotions, 2 or 3 relegations
 |-
+|
-|  style="text-align:center; width:4%; background:#efefef;"|
+|16
-| colspan="12"  style="width:96%; text-align:center;"|
+|colspan="16" |
-'''[[Latvian Second League]]'''<br>
-''50 clubs divided in 7 regions''<br />
+'''[[Latvian Second League|Second League East]]'''<br />
+''8 clubs'' – 0 to 3 promotions (2 to 3 nationwide), 0 to 4 relegations (4 nationwide)
+|colspan="16" |
+'''[[Latvian Second League|Second League West]]'''<br />
+''8 clubs'' – 0 to 3 promotions (2 to 3 nationwide), 0 to 4 relegations (4 nationwide)
+|-
+|
+|37
+|colspan="8" width=24%|
+'''[[Latvian Third League|Third League Centre]]'''<br />
+''10 clubs'' – 0 to 2 promotions (4 nationwide){{efn|name="geography"|Promotion to either the [[Latvian Second League|Second League East]] or [[Latvian Second League|Second League West]] is based on geographic factors.}}
+|colspan="8" width=24%|
+'''[[Latvian Third League|Third League East]]'''<br />
+''9 clubs'' – 0 to 2 promotions (4 nationwide)
+|colspan="8" width=24%|
+'''[[Latvian Third League|Third League North]]'''<br />
+''10 clubs'' – 0 to 2 promotions (4 nationwide){{efn|name="geography"}}
+|colspan="8" width=24%|
+'''[[Latvian Third League|Third League West]]'''<br />
+''8 clubs'' – 0 to 2 promotions (4 nationwide)
 |}
+==National team==
+{{Main article|Latvia national football team}}
+The [[Latvia national football team]] in 2003<!--- previous was written "2004", but Latvia qualified in November, 2003, when beat Turkey national team---> qualified to [[UEFA Euro 2004|Euro 2004]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2004/teams/team=56558/profile/index.html|title=UEFA EURO 2004 - History - Latvia|last=uefa.com|website=UEFA.com|access-date=13 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/johnsons-vision-provides-cause-for-celebration-in-latvia-and-yeovil-79492.html|title=Johnson's vision provides cause for celebration in Latvia and Yeovil|date=22 November 2003|website=The Independent|access-date=13 March 2019}}</ref> This resulted in being the first and currently only [[Baltic states|Baltic]] national team to do so.
 ==See also==
 ===National teams===
-[[Latvia national football team]]
+* [[Latvia national football team]]
+* [[Latvia national under-21 football team]]
-[[Latvia national under-21 football team]]
+* [[Latvia national under-19 football team]]
+* [[Latvia national under-17 football team]]
-[[Latvia national under-19 football team]]
-[[Latvia national under-17 football team]]
 ====Women's teams====
-[[Latvia women's national football team]]
+* [[Latvia women's national football team]]
-===Leagues===
+===Competitions===
+====Leagues====
-[[Latvian Higher League]]
+* [[Latvian Higher League]]
-[[Latvian First League]]
+* [[Latvian First League]]
+* [[Latvian Second League]]
-[[Latvian Second League]]
 ====Women's leagues====
-[[Latvian Women's League]]
+* [[Latvian Women's League]]
+====Cups====
+* [[Latvian Football Cup]]
+* [[Latvian Supercup]]
 ===Clubs===
-{{main|List of football clubs in Latvia}}
+{{Main|List of football clubs in Latvia}}
-===Competitions===
-[[Latvian Football Cup]]
+==Notes==
-[[Latvian Supercup]]
+{{Notelist}}
 ==References==
@@ Line 90: / Line 131: @@
 ==External links==
-* [http://www.league321.com/latvia-football.html  League321.com] - Latvian football league tables, records & statistics database. {{en icon}}
+* [http://www.league321.com/latvia-football.html League321.com] - Latvian football league tables, records & statistics database {{in lang|en}}
 {{Football in Latvia}}
@@ Line 98: / Line 139: @@
 [[Category:Football in Latvia| ]]
-{{footy-stub}}
+{{Footy-stub}}
 {{Latvia-sport-stub}}

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