Wikipedia - A Lyga

The A Lyga is the top division of professional football in Lithuania. It is organized by Lithuanian Football Federation (LFF) (Lithuanian: Lietuvos Futbolo Federacija).

History

The first football league was established in Lithuania in 1924, and in various forms existed until 1939. During the period of Soviet occupation, a Lithuanian amateur top division existed, while professional players played in USSR football competitions. The Lithuanian professional top division was restored in 1990. The naming convention changed several times, but since 1999 the league is consistently referred to as A lyga.

Format

The league system and size have also stabilized since 1999. League size varied mostly between 8 and 10 teams, with the exceptions of 2011 A Lyga featuring 12 teams, and 2020 A Lyga record low of only 6 teams. The teams play 4 rounds in regular season. The bottom placed team is relegated, while 9th placed team contests in a play-off with the 2nd placed team from the I lyga. The final list of participants often did not correlate to the final results of the previous season, as the participation were rather finalized through the Lithuanian Football Federation league licensing process.

The season usually kicks off in Feabuary/March and ends in November. Because of harsh climate, there are no games in winter.Until early spring(April/March,and it depends on the weather/temperature)games are played in indoor arenas on artificial grass. Winter transfer window opens in early January through to mid March. Summer transfer window lasts for the most part of July.

European competitions

Lithuania sought to participate in the UEFA club competitions immediately after regaining the independence. However, due to political reasons, in 1991 Lithuania was banned by UEFA from continental competitions refusing licensing of Žalgiris to compete as a Lithuanian club rather than a Soviet club. Eventually, Lithuania became affiliated with UEFA in 1992. The A Lyga champion secures the right to play in UEFA Champions League qualification. The runner up and the 3rd-place winner secure right to play in UEFA Europa Conference League qualification.

Best Lithuanian club result in UEFA competitions was achieved in 2022-23 UEFA club competition season by FK Žalgiris. Lithuanian champions reached the group stage in the 2022–23 UEFA Europa Conference League. After the 2022-23 UEFA season, FK Žalgiris was the best performing A lyga club in Europe, taking #130 in UEFA Club Coefficients table.

The Lithuania A Lyga is the premier professional soccer tournament in Lithuania. It is the top tier of the Lithuanian football league system and features the best teams in the country competing for the championship title.

The tournament is organized by the Lithuanian Football Federation and consists of 10 teams. These teams face each other in a round-robin format, playing a total of 36 matches throughout the season. The matches are held in various stadiums across Lithuania, providing an opportunity for fans to support their favorite teams in person.

The Lithuania A Lyga showcases the highest level of soccer talent in the country, with skilled players from both Lithuania and abroad participating. The teams compete fiercely on the field, displaying their technical abilities, tactical prowess, and determination to secure victory.

The tournament not only offers thrilling matches but also serves as a platform for young talents to showcase their skills and potentially attract attention from scouts and clubs from other countries. It is a breeding ground for future stars and a testament to the growing popularity and development of soccer in Lithuania.

The Lithuania A Lyga is known for its passionate fan base, with supporters filling the stadiums and creating an electric atmosphere during matches. The fans' unwavering support and dedication add an extra dimension to the tournament, making it an unforgettable experience for both players and spectators.

At the end of the season, the team with the most points is crowned the champion of the Lithuania A Lyga. The top-placed teams also have the opportunity to compete in European club competitions, representing Lithuania on an international stage.

Overall, the Lithuania A Lyga is a highly competitive and exciting soccer tournament that showcases the best of Lithuanian football. It brings together talented players, passionate fans, and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a must-watch event for soccer enthusiasts in Lithuania and beyond.