Zibens pull out of Virsliga

A team solely made up of young players could compete in the Latvian Virsliga next season after FK Zibens/Zemessardze announced they would not be entering the top flight despite winning promotion.

Withdrawal explained
Zibens president Valdis Silapeters admitted that the club could not afford to compete in the top division, where they were to replace relegated FK Auda. He said: "We have been negotiating with sponsors but could not reach an agreement. Our own money was only enough to last us for two months, and that is clearly not what we want." Instead they will compete in the first division while they continue to seek finance.

Young team
The Latvian Football Federation (LFF) now needs to find a team to compete in the place of Zibens, or they risk losing one of their two UEFA Cup berths as a minimum of eight clubs is needed for a league to be eligible for their full quota of European entries. A team of Under-20s not required by other Virsliga clubs is the LFF's current suggestion, with national Under-19 coach Janis Dreimanis expected to lead the unnamed side.

Plans in place
Dreimanis said: "The team will have players born in 1984, 1985 and 1986 who do not have regular places in starting lineups of other Latvian clubs. You will not see veterans at this club. We have a serious financial base, and the LFF has given its approval to create such a club. However, we are still going through some legal procedures to complete the foundation of the side."