Valmiera FC’s hopes of competing in the 2025 Virslīga season have officially ended, as the Latvian Football Federation’s (LFF) Appeals Committee upheld the initial decision to deny the club a league license. The ruling, issued on January 29, confirms that Valmiera will not participate in the top flight, with FS Jelgava taking their place.
Valmiera had appealed the January 16 decision, which cited unresolved financial issues, including significant debts to employees and the State Revenue Service (VID) exceeding league regulations. However, after reviewing the case on January 23, the Appeals Committee ruled that the original verdict was legally justified and final, meaning no further appeals are possible under LFF regulations.
As a result, Valmiera FC is now eligible only for the Nākotnes līga (Latvian second division) should they choose to participate in the licensing process for that competition.
With Virslīga football no longer an option, many of Valmiera’s key players are expected to seek moves elsewhere. Players like Kristers Aļekseičiks, Kristers Penkevics, and Renārs Varslavāns, among others, will likely explore opportunities at other clubs, either in Latvia or abroad.
With Valmiera FC denied a license for the 2025 Virslīga season, BFC Daugavpils now has a chance to make history. If the club successfully obtains a UEFA license, it will qualify for the UEFA Conference League qualifiers for the first time ever. Daugavpils finished fifth last season, just behind Valmiera, and with their exclusion, the club is next in line for a European spot.
The 2025 Virslīga season schedule is expected to be published in early February, finalizing the match calendar for Latvia’s top football division. With Valmiera FC officially excluded, the ten teams set to compete are: FC RFS, Riga FC, FK Auda, BFC Daugavpils, FK Liepāja, FK Metta, FK Tukums, FK Grobiņa, SK Super Nova, and FS Jelgava.