On April 25, Kaunas hosted the 2026 Ordinary Conference of the Lithuanian Football Federation (LFF), where members convened to adopt decisions on the most important issues shaping the future of football in Lithuania.
A total of 14 agenda items were discussed during the conference. Key topics included the presentation of the federation’s annual activity report, the approval of the annual financial statements, amendments to the LFF statutes, and the admission of a new member. At the opening of the conference, LFF President Edgaras Stankevičius addressed delegates and guests, alongside representatives from UEFA and FIFA.
In his address, Stankevičius emphasized that 2025 marked a year of significant decisions, growing responsibility, and strengthening leadership for Lithuanian football. He noted that football in Lithuania is increasingly establishing itself not only as a sport, but also as an important part of society, communities, and the state.
“The Lithuanian Football Federation continues to strengthen its position both domestically and internationally. Today, football in Lithuania is more than just results on the pitch. Iit is infrastructure, youth development, social responsibility, and ever-closer cooperation with municipalities and businesses,” he said.
According to the LFF president, recent years have seen a clear positive turning point, with more municipalities recognizing football as a strategic investment in community engagement, youth development, and quality of life. This growing cooperation has enabled targeted infrastructure development and improved conditions for football across the country.
In 2025, these efforts took tangible form. Several key infrastructure projects were completed or advanced, including the opening of the modern “TransINVEST” stadium, the installation of an inflatable indoor arena in Panevėžys, ongoing construction of the National Stadium, rapid progress on a new indoor arena in Šiauliai, and preparations for a similar facility in Jonava. These developments reflect a consistent strategic direction positioning football as a national priority.
International visibility was also a major focus. While Lithuania did not host major championships in 2025, preparations were carried out for the UEFA European Futsal Championship held in Kaunas at the beginning of 2026. The tournament served as strong evidence of Lithuania’s capability to organize top-level football events.
This was further reinforced by a UEFA HatTrick Committee meeting in Kaunas, which brought together European football leaders and resulted in high evaluations that strengthened the LFF’s international reputation. Lithuania’s growing influence was also highlighted by appointments of both the LFF president and Secretary General Rita Bagdonienė to FIFA committees, marking an important opportunity for the country to contribute to global football governance.
Another strategic milestone is Lithuania’s selection to host the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2028. The federation views this as an investment in youth development, the national football system, and the country’s international image. Preparations are already underway to ensure the tournament delivers both organizational and sporting progress.
Partnerships with the business sector have also continued to grow, with increasing confidence from sponsors reflecting football’s rising value as a platform in Lithuania.
Looking ahead to 2026, Stankevičius outlined a clear direction: strengthening the football ecosystem at all levels, from grassroots and youth to national teams, from infrastructure to international recognition, through sustained cooperation, trust, and consistency.
During the conference, a new member was officially admitted to the LFF: the Lithuanian Beach Soccer Association (LPFA). The association aims to develop beach soccer in Lithuania, coordinate the activities of its members, and promote the sport nationwide.
Stankevičius noted that beach soccer has shown clear progress in recent years, with expanding infrastructure and improved performance. He highlighted that the Lithuanian men’s national beach soccer team returned to the top-tier European Championship A Division last year, marking a significant achievement.
At the end of May, Lithuania’s beach soccer national team will compete in Spain in the European Beach Soccer League A Division.
Conference participants were also presented with the LFF’s 2025 activity report, which reflected an expanded scope of events, projects, and daily operations. The report covered the work and achievements of the Marketing and Communications Department, the Football Development Department, the Technical Department, and associated organizations.
The Marketing and Communications Department focused on increasing commercial revenue, enhancing football’s visibility, and strengthening fan engagement. Ticket sales revenues reached record levels in 2025, with total attendance at 44,813 and an average attendance of 11,203. The federation also collaborated with 21 active sponsors and partners.
The Football Development Department carried out a wide range of functions, including organizing and coordinating competitions and managing match operations. It oversaw A League, I League, II League, the FPRO LFF Cup, the TOPsport LFF Super Cup, matches of all national teams, and UEFA competitions hosted in Lithuania. In total, 2,537 players, 104 teams, and 842 matches were registered in national competitions.
Meanwhile, the Technical Department focused on improving performance across key areas such as academy certification, regional talent centers, and coach education. A total of 190 coaching licenses were issued, and 684 coaches in Lithuania held UEFA licenses in 2025.
A significant item on the agenda was the approval of the LFF’s 2025 budget execution and annual financial statements. The federation reported the following financial results:
- Sales revenue: €5,636,011 (compared to €5,549,921 in 2024)
- Funding revenue: €7,274,842 (compared to €9,078,507 in 2024)
- Other income: €3,018,553 (a substantial increase from €487,667 in 2024)
The conference concluded with a clear message: Lithuanian football continues to grow steadily, supported by strategic investment, expanding partnerships, and increasing international recognition.
Source: https://www.lff.lt/kaune-surengta-lff-eiline-konferencija-pristatyta-veiklos-ataskaita-ir-priimtas-naujas-narys/
