In 2009 the strongest Latvian championship LMT Virsliga will be played in four rounds with nine clubs as financial problems have struck many and effect is seen also in football. In 2008 LMT Virsliga season there were ten clubs in two rounds and then first to six place fought for the medals and seventh to last place fought for staying in the highest division, but the system did not satisfy as second group lost viewers interest and the decision was made not to divide the league anymore.

LMT Virsliga started with great opening press conference on 10 March at general sponsors - Latvian Mobile Telephone - house and two matchdays prior to FIFA international dates at the end of March - on 14/15 March and 21/22 March. These two matchdays were played on the indoor pitches at Olympic Sports Center - new headquarters of Latvian Football Federation. Nine clubs participate this year: "Ventspils", "Liepājas metalurgs", "Skonto" (Riga), "Dinaburg" (Daugavpils), "Jurmala City", "Blazma" (Rezekne), "Olimps" (Riga), "Daugava" (Riga) and "Tranzits" (Ventspils).

First league or second division championship will start on 1 May and doubles will be linked up. Until November two rounds will be played.

On the other news, Latvian referees prepared for the season in Turkey. 22 of them came together for a first training camp this year. They improved their refereeing and physical skills in sunny Turkey, where the training conditions are excellent. In camp referees worked at physical and theoretical preparation, as well as refereed some friendly pre-season games between teams from different countries who are now in Turkey.

LMT Virsliga 2009 - match calendar:
http://www.lff.lv/lv/virsliga/fixtures/2009/

Martins Hartmanis