Assistant coaches holding UEFA PRO licences on paper, while the official head coach without a PRO qualification directs the team from the touchline – such scenes have often been part of everyday reality in Lithuania rather than rare exceptions. This calendar offseason, both capital-based clubs, FK Riteriai and Kaunas district representatives FC Hegelmann, appear to have followed a similar path.
According to Lithuanian Football Federation (LFF) licensing regulations, only a coach holding a UEFA PRO licence may be appointed as head coach of an Toplyga club before the start of the season. If a coaching change occurs during the season, a replacement without a PRO licence may serve temporarily only if he holds at least a UEFA A licence, and only for up to 60 calendar days. During that period, the club must appoint a PRO-licensed head coach. This framework was outlined by LFF Licensing Department head Karolis Dieninis.
Despite that clarity, both clubs opted this winter to bring in foreign specialists without established UEFA PRO status in Lithuania. In the case of Riteriai, the club appointed Macedonian head coach Gorazd Mihajlov, whose arrival had been reported in foreign media before any official local presentation. Is he still there? Who knows. Meanwhile, Hegelmann turned to Spanish coach Mikel Aramburu Ernet, whose previous experience includes work in the United States.
The question arises whether such decisions are carefully calculated strategies within regulatory boundaries or attempts to avoid potential risks. Participation in UEFA competitions brings stricter oversight, and any breach of licensing requirements could theoretically expose clubs to sanctions. Domestically, however, disciplinary flexibility has often been applied, with exceptions and transitional measures becoming common practice.
The situation also directly affects FK Riteriai’s internal structure. Last season, Gintautas Vaičiūnas assumed the role of interim head coach in June and remained in charge until mid-November, successfully preserving the club’s Toplyga status. His long-term future now depends partly on developments outside Lithuania – specifically the final list of candidates admitted to the UEFA PRO coaching course organised by the Latvian Football Federation, which begins in March.
Under current regulations, coaches who receive official confirmation of acceptance into a UEFA PRO programme are immediately considered compliant with PRO licensing requirements, even before completing any study modules.
A similar precedent can be observed in neighboring Latvia. At FK Auda, French head coach Didier Zanetti is set to begin the UEFA PRO course and, as a result, will be officially recognised as the club’s head coach. When he initially joined the club last season, however, the position was formally registered under Mihails Koņevs.
Sources indicate that from 243 applicants worldwide, approximately 20 will be admitted to the Latvian programme, roughly half of whom must be local Latvian candidates, with at least one woman included. Not all interviewed candidates reportedly advanced successfully through the selection stages.
Riteriai’s recent history adds further complexity. A previously planned takeover involving investor Jan Nevoina and Singaporean partners collapsed amid contractual disputes. Subsequent legal and financial issues followed, including the resignation of former sporting director V. Masaitis and civil proceedings over unpaid salary obligations. Settlements were required to ensure the club could continue registering players and avoid potential UEFA restrictions related to financial compliance.
Several players departed during the 2025 summer window, in some cases agreeing to waive outstanding payments to terminate contracts and pursue opportunities abroad. Among them was Ryhan Stewart, who later secured a contract in Thailand’s top division. Another former foreign player, Roscello Vlijter, also reached a settlement with the club following a legal dispute over unpaid wages.
Attempts at structural merger also failed. Discussions between Riteriai and representatives linked to Be1 did not result in an agreement, reportedly due to differences over acquisition terms and timing.
According to well-informed sources, the current ownership transition at Riteriai is proceeding gradually, with a reported 60–40 percent share distribution between the existing owner and incoming investors. Jan Nevoina remains the majority stakeholder and continues to lead the club until full financial settlement is completed.
Meanwhile, questions persist regarding technical-area management. In UEFA competitions, official delegates monitor compliance with coaching and administrative standards. Should a scenario arise where a PRO-licensed head coach remains seated while an assistant without the required licence directs proceedings, the interpretation of such practice could become a matter of scrutiny.
Why neither club opted for more established, fully licensed head coaches with stronger CVs remains open to interpretation. Financial considerations, strategic control, or transitional planning may all play roles.
What is clear is that both Riteriai and Hegelmann experienced ownership or structural uncertainty during the offseason. Their sporting direction now intersects with regulatory precision, financial stability, and competitive performance. The opening rounds of the Toplyga season may provide initial indications of who truly leads from the technical area – and whether Lithuania’s recurring licensing workaround remains sustainable under growing international oversight.
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