PFK pull out in Latvia

Policijas FK have withdrawn from the Latvian Virsliga due to overwhelming financial problems.

Declaration wanted
The Latvia Football Federation (LFF) has been notified that the club will not appear in the 2003 season "due to reorganisation". In December, the eight top-flight teams had been asked to sign a declaration stating their readiness to play in the 2003 season.

Unable to take part
All agreed, including a reluctant PFK. However, they informed the LFF yesterday that they would not be able to compete. The club president, Vyacheslav Korzhanov, said: "In the condition the club is now we would only be contending for survival in the top flight, and this cannot satisfy us."

Auda hoping
He added: "In two months we will complete the paperwork to file for bankruptcy of Policijas FK and we will create another structure." The LFF have yet to comment on what will happen next season, but it seems likely that FK Auda Riga will take PFK's place.

Waiting for decision
"We are tired of waiting," said Auda coach Igors Stepanovs. "There is no official decision of whether we will play in Virsliga as of now." The general secretary of the LFF said he hoped his organisation would decide on the matter tomorrow.

No date yet
PFK finished sixth in the table last season with 23 points from 28 games, six points ahead of Auda, the bottom club. No date has yet been set for the start of the new season.