About Latvia

The Latvian Football Federation (LFF) was founded on 19 June 1921 in Riga, initially as the Latvian Football Union. A British national served as its first chairman, reflecting the English influence that spread football across the Baltic region. The federation grew rapidly — by 1922 the national championship encompassed 12 associations, 22 teams, and 479 players. Latvia joined FIFA in May 1923, and the top-flight Virslīga launched in 1927.

The federation ceased operations in 1940 following the Soviet occupation of Latvia. During the Soviet era, football was administered by a regional structure under central Soviet control. The LFF was restored on 19 August 1990 following Latvia's sovereignty declaration, and rejoined both FIFA and UEFA in 1992. The Virslīga was re-established alongside the federation's revival.

Headquartered in Riga at the Rimi Sports Centre, the LFF today manages domestic league competitions, national teams across all age groups and genders, and cup competitions. The Latvian national team has historically struggled to qualify for major tournaments, but the federation continues to invest in youth development and infrastructure to raise the competitive level of Latvian football within UEFA.