Virslīga

Virslīga is contested by 10 teams over 182 matches (180 in the regular season plus 2 in the relegation playoffs) comprising 38 matchdays.

Virslīga uses a quadruple round-robin format, meaning each team plays 36 matches per season, facing every other team four times, twice at home and twice 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:

1. Head-to-head results between the tied teams
2. Goal difference in head-to-head matches
3. Overall goal difference
4. Goals scored

European places

The winner enters the UEFA Champions League at Qualification Round 1, and places 2 to 3 enter the UEFA Conference League at Qualification Round 1. The Latvian Cup winner enters the Conference League at Qualification Round 2. If one of the top three teams is also the cup winner, the team finishing fourth goes to the Conference League Qualification Round 1.

VAR is being gradually implemented as of the 2023 season and is expected to achieve full coverage by 2026.

Competition rules

• No more than 30 players per team, of whom 15 must be home-grown. Home-grown criteria is 3 years in a Latvian academy or club between the ages of 12 and 21.
• At least 3 home-grown players must be on the pitch at any time.
• Loan limit: 8 in, 8 out (no limit for club-grown players). This will gradually decrease to 6 in, 6 out by 2025.
• No more than 3 loans in one club.
• Minimum age is 16, although exceptions can be made starting from 15.
• Five substitutions are allowed during matches, up to a maximum of three times per match (excluding the half-time break).
• Players who accumulate four yellow cards receive an automatic one-match suspension. This is reduced to once every three after the first automatic suspension. Upon accumulating 13 yellow cards, an automatic one-match suspension is given for every two yellow cards.