The Lithuanian Football Federation (LFF) Disciplinary Committee, during its meeting on May 19, reviewed a case concerning potential violations of the LFF Disciplinary Code related to the postponed TOPLYGA Round 14 fixture between FK Riteriai and FK Panevėžys.
The match had been scheduled to take place on May 15 at FK Žalgiris’ home stadium. However, the fixture was ultimately unable to proceed after the organizing club, FK Riteriai, failed to provide the mandatory ambulance service and medical personnel required during the match.
According to TOPLYGA regulations, clubs hosting league matches must ensure the presence of an emergency medical vehicle and medical staff 15 minutes before kickoff, throughout the duration of the match, and for 15 minutes after the final whistle. The LFF determined that Riteriai had violated Article 14.4.1 of the league regulations, as well as Article 39, Paragraph 3 of the LFF Disciplinary Code, by failing to meet these obligations.
As a result, the LFF Disciplinary Committee imposed the following sanctions:
- A fine of €500 on FK Riteriai.
- A technical defeat for Riteriai, with a 3-0 victory awarded to FK Panevėžys.
The federation also stated that an appeal against the ruling may be submitted to the LFF Appeals Committee within seven days of receiving the official decision, provided the appeal complies with the procedures and requirements established in the Disciplinary Code.
TOPLYGA Explains Circumstances Behind the Cancellation
The match cancellation on Friday evening, May 15, drew immediate attention across Lithuanian football after it emerged that the home club had failed to arrange emergency medical services for the fixture.
TOPLYGA director Vaidotas Zajarskas emphasized that medical supervision during matches is a non-negotiable requirement intended to protect player safety.
“According to TOPLYGA regulations, an ambulance must be present during matches because the health and safety of players is the highest priority. Unfortunately, only an hour before kickoff, the TOPLYGA administration and the Lithuanian Football Federation learned that the ambulance had not been ordered and that the service had not been paid for, meaning the medical team did not arrive for the match,” Zajarskas said.
TOPLYGA and the LFF reportedly acted immediately in an attempt to resolve the issue, including contacting private medical service providers. However, with less than an hour remaining before kickoff, it proved impossible to secure the required services on such short notice.
Zajarskas also revealed that earlier that same day, representatives of the Lithuanian Football Federation, including its president and licensing and legal specialists, held a meeting with the club’s new owner.
During the meeting, federation officials reportedly expressed serious concerns regarding the club’s management standards, professionalism, and communication. Club representatives were reminded of all mandatory requirements related both to licensing procedures and basic matchday organizational standards.
“The current situation shows that the club’s new representatives are only now beginning to familiarize themselves with our football ecosystem and the league’s requirements,” Zajarskas added.
The LFF has confirmed that it will continue reviewing the broader situation surrounding the club and has not ruled out additional sanctions, including the possibility of removing Riteriai from the championship altogether.
Source: https://toplyga.lt/rungtynes/2026-05-15-riteriai-panevezys/2107
