Latvian Virslīga club Valmiera, a top performer in recent years and last season’s fourth-place finisher, is preparing to appeal the Latvian Football Federation’s (LFF) decision to deny it a license for the 2025 Virslīga season.
Announced on January 16, the LFF Licensing Committee cited unresolved financial issues as the reason for the denial, including significant debts to employees and the State Revenue Service (VID), which exceed the limits allowed under league regulations. Public records indicate that, as of January 15, SIA Valmiera FC owed €218,919 to VID.
As a result of this decision, Jelgava, which was relegated last season after finishing last, has been confirmed as the tenth team for the upcoming campaign. However, Valmiera is determined to challenge the ruling. According to Sportacentrs.com, the club is preparing an appeal to overturn the decision and secure its place in the league.
This is not Valmiera’s first licensing issue. Last season, the club unsuccessfully appealed a decision barring it from European competitions, leaving them without a spot in continental tournaments.
Valmiera’s financial struggles were evident last season, as debts led to point deductions in the league standings. Now, the club hopes to persuade the LFF Appeals Committee to reverse the decision. If unsuccessful, further legal options may be pursued, though the outcome remains uncertain.