---
title: "RFS manager Morozs criticises Riga FC’s decision to boycott final Virslīga derby"
date: 2026-11-07T13:48:14Z
lang: en
author: "Janis Vitols"
canonical: https://balticfootballnews.com/rfs-manager-morozs-criticises-riga-fcs-decision-to-boycott-final-virsliga-derby/
categories: ["Virsliga"]
---

# RFS manager Morozs criticises Riga FC’s decision to boycott final Virslīga derby
**RFS head coach Viktors Morozs has responded to Riga FC’s decision to boycott Sunday’s final Virslīga match between the two clubs, stating that he cannot respect their refusal to play. The newly crowned Latvian champions were scheduled to face their city rivals in the final round of the 2026 season, but Riga FC announced on Saturday that they would not take the field, citing refereeing controversies and concerns over fair play.**

In a statement published on his Instagram account, Morozs referenced legendary Italian coach Arrigo Sacchi’s philosophy of winning with respect and losing with dignity, before reflecting on RFS’s own experience of losing the championship to Riga FC last season.

“I’m proud of my team. After losing last year, we accepted the defeat with dignity. We didn’t make excuses or try to blame anyone else. We learned from the experience and came back ready to fight,” Morozs wrote.

The RFS head coach then addressed Riga FC’s decision directly, emphasising that his side had earned this season’s championship through their performances on the pitch.

“This year, we earned our victory on the pitch through our own hard work. That is why I cannot respect the decision to refuse to play.”

The situation carries an additional element of irony given what happened at the end of the 2025 Virslīga season. With Riga FC already crowned champions and the final derby having no impact on the standings, RFS still took to the pitch at Skonto Stadium and defeated their city rivals 4-3.

A year later, the roles have reversed, with RFS celebrating the championship and Riga FC finishing second. However, unlike last season, the final derby will not take place if Riga FC follow through with their announced boycott.

Riga FC have accused referees of making systematic errors that influenced the championship standings and criticised the Latvian Football Federation for what they described as a [failure to address repeated complaints from Virslīga clubs](https://balticfootballnews.com/riga-fc-refuse-to-play-final-virsliga-match-against-rfs/).

**Source:** [https://www.instagram.com/p/DfcQ9fJI87s/?hl=en](https://www.instagram.com/p/DfcQ9fJI87s/?hl=en)