The Latvian Football Federation (LFF) has announced key changes to solidarity payments, following UEFA’s updated distribution model for the 2024-2027 cycle. UEFA has significantly increased the amount allocated to clubs outside the European competitions, raising the solidarity fund to 7% of revenue from UEFA’s major tournaments, totaling €308 million annually.
This boost is designed to support clubs not participating in the Champions League, Europa League, or Conference League, with the funds aimed at strengthening national leagues and youth development. For Latvia, the fixed share for clubs will rise to €3.1 million, a substantial increase from the previous €1.37 million, with additional funds depending on the success of Latvian clubs in European competitions.
Moving forward, the LFF is focused on strengthening clubs’ youth programs and other key areas with the help of this UEFA support tool. Additionally, it encourages top league clubs to agree on allocating up to 15% of the available funds to Nākotnes Līga (2nd tier) clubs. The remaining funds would be distributed equally among all Virslīga clubs. If any Virslīga or Nākotnes Līga club fails to meet the criteria, the amount would be proportionally redistributed among the other clubs.
To qualify for receiving funds, clubs must meet certain UEFA licensing criteria, with a particular emphasis on youth football development requirements.
UEFA’s new criteria also link funding to the development of youth football, with clubs required to meet various standards to qualify for support. As LFF President Vadims Ļašenko emphasized, these changes represent a unique opportunity for growth, particularly in youth development, which is key to the future of Latvian football.