Kendysh wants to finish career at Žalgiris and qualify for Champions League next year
Panevėžys appoint Toni Korkeakunnas until end of season
Sūduva bring back newly capped Lithuania striker Mikulėnas
Panevėžys part ways with head coach Roland Vrabec
Džiaukštas sets the tone: “Žalgiris must return to the top”
FK Kauno Žalgiris Announces Record Budget
About TOP Sport A Lyga
A Lyga uses a quadruple round-robin format, meaning each team plays 36 matches per season (facing every other team four times—two at home and two away). Teams are awarded three points for a win, one point for a draw, and no points for a loss. The team with the most points at the end of the season is crowned champion. If two or more teams finish with the same points, the following tie-breakers are used:
- Head-to-head results between the tied teams
- Goal difference in head-to-head matches
- Overall goal difference
- Goals scored
At the end of the season, the top team qualifies for the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, while the second and third-placed teams enter the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers. The last-placed team is relegated to the Pirma Lyga (second division), while the second-last team may face a relegation playoff.
Foreign Player Regulations
A Lyga promotes a balance between local player development and international talent. The league allows clubs to register foreign players but restricts how many can be on the pitch at any given time. Specifically, no more than five foreign players are allowed to play on the field simultaneously during matches.
Historical Context and Notable Teams
Since its inception, A Lyga has been dominated by Žalgiris Vilnius, the most successful club in Lithuanian football history with 11 titles. They won the first A Lyga championship in 1991 and continue to be a dominant force in Lithuanian football. Other notable teams include Sūduva Marijampolė, which enjoyed a successful period in recent years, and FK Panevėžys, the 2023 titleholder.
The league has experienced fluctuations in its early years due to financial instability and a lack of infrastructure. However, in the 2000s and 2010s, investment in Lithuanian football grew, and A Lyga began attracting better players and more international attention. Delfi and other media platforms now provide extensive coverage, including live broadcasts and match highlights.
Disciplinary and Fair Play Rules
A Lyga enforces FIFA-standard disciplinary rules, with players facing suspensions after accumulating five yellow cards. A straight red card or a combination of yellow cards results in an automatic suspension, typically lasting one or more matches depending on the offense. These rules help maintain discipline and competitive integrity across the league.