Lithuania Cup

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The Lithuanian Football Federation Cup (Lithuanian: Lietuvos futbolo federacijos taurė), also known as Hegelmann LFF Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a Lithuanian football cup competition contested in a knockout tournament format. The winner of the cup gains entitlement to participate in the Lithuanian Supercup as well as the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Participation is mandatory for the clubs playing in A Lyga and I Lyga. Participation is voluntary for all lower division teams as long as they meet basic eligibility criteria. Club reserve and youth teams are not eligible to participate. The competition format is a single-elimination tournament.

The competition was sponsored by Sharp in 2018–19, and by Hegelmann in 2020.

History

Interwar period

The first cup tournament in Lithuania took place in 1924 and was called the "Kooperacijos taurė". It took place during the International Cooperation Day event. "Kooperacijos taurė" competition took place three times - 1924, 1925 and 1926. Other cup competitions took place at the same time as well - "Žiemos taurė" (lith. Winter Cup) in 1925, "Pavasario taurė" (lith. Spring Cup) in 1926 and 1927, as well as once-off cup events.

Year Tournament Notes Final
1924 Kooperacijos taurė Founded by a banker Vincas Zakarevičius. The 50 cm in diameter and 1,250g in weight cup was made of silver and gold-plated materials cost 1,000 Litas. LFLS Kaunas 2:1 Kovas Kaunas
1925 Kooperacijos taurė LFLS Kaunas won the cup for the second time. The cup was to be passed on to the winner each year, and to be kept if won three times in a row. LFLS Kaunas 3:2 Kovas Kaunas
1925 Žiemos taurė KSK Kaunas 2:0 Kovas Kaunas
1926 Kooperacijos taurė LFLS Kaunas won the cup for three years in a row, and fulfilled the condition to keep the cup. LFLS Kaunas 4:3 Kovas Kaunas
1926 Pavasario taurė Organized by LFLS central committee.
1926 Lithuanian Cup of Honour The 2,000 Litas cup was founded by the famous singer Kipras Petrauskas, yet it was not supported by the governing football committee. The cup was presented to the previous year football league champion Kovas Kaunas
1927 Pavasario taurė 10 Kaunas A and B class teams were competing. Makabi Kaunas 3:2 Kovas Kaunas
1927 Lloyd Lithuania Cup The cup was presented to the Kaunas region league champion LFLS Kaunas.
1928 Florence Pavasario taurė 12 teams were competing. LFLS Kaunas 2:0 Kovas Kaunas
1929 Lietuvos aido taurė LFLS Kaunas 4:0 Makabi Kaunas
1932 Sekminių taurė The cup was founded with a view to replace the Kooperacijos taurė competition. LFLS Kaunas 5:1 Kovas Kaunas
1935 Lithuanian I Sports Festival 6 teams from Kaunas and 4 teams from Latvia competed in the tournament. MSK Kaunas 2:2 Tauras Kaunas
1938 Lithuanian National Olympics 16 teams participated, including 1 team from Latvia. The tournament was a part of a prestigious Lithuanian National Olympics event. KSS Klaipėda 2:0 LGSF Kaunas

Post-war period

After the World War II, in soviet Lithuania a cup competition was established by the initiative of Tiesa newspaper in 1947, and was called The Tiesa Cup. It consisted of Lithuanian SSR teams not competing in the Soviet football league pyramid.

Re-established Independence to present

Since the regained independence in 1990 the competition is called the Lithuanian Football Federation Cup.

**Lithuania Cup: A Celebration of Soccer Excellence**

The Lithuania Cup is an annual knockout soccer tournament that showcases the best of Lithuanian football talent, bringing together clubs from various tiers of the national league system. Established to promote the sport and foster competitive spirit, the tournament has become a highlight of the Lithuanian football calendar, attracting passionate fans and dedicated players alike.

**Format and Structure:**
The Lithuania Cup features a diverse array of teams, from top-flight clubs to lower division contenders, all vying for the prestigious title. The tournament typically begins with an initial round of matches, leading to a series of knockout stages, culminating in an exhilarating final that determines the champion. Each match is a test of skill, strategy, and determination, as teams battle for glory and a coveted spot in European competitions.

**Community and Culture:**
Beyond the thrilling matches, the Lithuania Cup serves as a platform for community engagement, uniting fans from different regions and backgrounds. Local clubs often see an influx of support during the tournament, fostering a sense of pride and camaraderie among supporters. The event also highlights the rich cultural heritage of Lithuania, with festivities and activities surrounding the matches that celebrate the nation’s love for soccer.

**Historical Significance:**
With a history that reflects the evolution of Lithuanian football, the Lithuania Cup has produced memorable moments and legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the sport. Each year, the tournament not only honors past champions but also paves the way for the next generation of soccer stars to shine on the national stage.

**Join the Action:**
Whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or a casual observer, the Lithuania Cup promises excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments. Experience the thrill of live matches, witness the passion of the players, and be part of a vibrant soccer community. Don’t miss your chance to support your favorite team as they strive for victory in one of Lithuania’s most celebrated sporting events!