Latvian football could be on the verge of change – but no one yet knows exactly what that change will look like. Vadims Ļašenko, president of the Latvian Football Federation (LFF), told Sportacentrs.com that he can neither confirm nor deny whether the Virslīga will feature more teams next season. Discussions with clubs and league officials are expected soon, yet time is running short, as both the top-tier Virslīga and the second division, Nākotnes līga, are approaching their conclusions.
Rumors about expanding the Virslīga to 12 clubs have circulated for months. The idea first gained traction in the summer, when insiders hinted at possible structural changes. At the time, LFF officials acknowledged that expansion was being discussed but stressed that no formal proposal had been made. Ļašenko also left the door open, suggesting that by 2026, the league might indeed feature a different number of participants.
Fast-forward to the present, and the topic is still very much alive. Whispers of “12 teams in the 2026 Virslīga” continue to echo through Latvian football circles – both publicly and behind the scenes. Yet with the promotion/relegation playoffs scheduled for mid-November, clarity is needed soon. Under current regulations, the 9th-placed Virslīga side faces the Nākotnes līga runner-up for a place in next year’s top flight. Any expansion would inevitably affect this format.
When asked directly by Sportacentrs.com whether the number of teams will remain unchanged, Ļašenko offered a cautious response:
“I hear the same rumors as everyone else – some say 12 teams, others say only eight,” he said. “Right now, I can’t confirm or deny anything. There are ongoing discussions between clubs, and we’ll soon open a broader dialogue between the federation, the league, and the teams to evaluate what’s best for Latvian football. But for now, nothing is decided.”
Should expansion go ahead, the most likely scenario would see the top two Nākotnes līga clubs promoted automatically, while the third-placed side would face the Virslīga’s 10th-placed team in a playoff.
The battle to avoid relegation is where the real tension lies. Just three points separate FK Tukums 2000, FK Grobiņa, and SK Super Nova. Representatives of two of these clubs have reportedly expressed firm opposition to expanding the league as early as next year. Meanwhile, FK Metta, currently the favorites to finish last, would face direct relegation to the Nākotnes līga under the existing rules.
In the second division, the promotion race is equally intense. With three rounds remaining, Ogre United and Riga Mariners are level on points, while JDFS Alberts sit just three behind. If the 12-team scenario were approved today, Ogre United and Riga Mariners would move up automatically, with JDFS Alberts and FK Metta meeting in a promotion playoff, likely to be held in November.
Ultimately, the final outcome may depend not only on results but also on whether the LFF Board decides to expand the Virslīga – a decision only the Board itself has the authority to make, while clubs and league officials can offer input solely in an advisory capacity.
Source: https://sportacentrs.com/futbols/virsliga/23102025-lff_prezidents_neizsledz_iespeju_par_12_v
