Football in Latvia


Football is the third sport in Latvia after ice hockey and basketball. Many other sports are also more popular than football in Latvia, but in recent years it has gained more popularity. The Latvian Football Federation is the sport's national governing body. There is a league system, with the Higher League and First League serving as the top leagues in Latvia. There is the Latvian Second League also, where mostly amateur teams play. There are also national cup competitions, with the Latvian Cup being the most notable.

History

Domestic Football

were the most popular and successful football team in Latvia and have won the Latvian Higher League 14 times since independence from Russia. Latvian football is rife with corruption and bribery. FK Ventspils is only team from Latvia, which had played in group stage of UEFA Europe League. There isn't team from Latvia, which had played in group stage of UEFA Champions League.

League system

National team

The Latvia national football team in 2003 qualified to Euro 2004. This resulted in being the first and currently only Baltic national team to do so.

National teams

Leagues