The Executive Committee (EC) of the Lithuanian Football Federation (LFF) adopted a decision by voting to maintain the results of "Klaipėdos granitas" in the 2015 Lithuanian "SMSCredit.lt A League" championship.
By decision of the LFF Appeals Committee on November 13, the October 29 decision of the LFF Disciplinary Committee regarding the removal of "Klaipėdos granitas" from the Lithuanian "SMSCredit.lt A League" championship for violations of fair play principles was upheld.
Considering the situation, the LFF EC discussed the application of Article 96 of the LFF competition regulations, i.e. the validity of the results of a withdrawn team.
This regulation stipulates that if a team withdraws from the competition without playing half (50%) of the matches, their achieved results are nullified, while if they have played half (50%) of the matches, their results stand. The proportion of matches played in the case of team withdrawal does not regulate the validity of the results, meaning it is not clearly and unambiguously established that it only applies to the team that withdraws from the competition.
However, both withdrawal from the competition after playing 50% or more matches and removal have equally negative implications for the course of the competition and the sporting competition process.
It is worth noting that the objectives of the LFF are defined in the LFF Statute, where, among other things, prevention of "any methods or actions that could threaten the transparency and fairness of matches or competitions" is mentioned, as well as ensuring the observance of the "principle of fair play". It also includes the obligation to adhere to the principles of "loyalty, fairness, sportsmanship, and playing by the rules".
In addition, the LFF consulted UEFA and received a recommendation stating that in other UEFA member associations, the principle is observed that the withdrawal and removal of teams from the championship should be treated equally. In such cases, it is important to consider the sporting principle.
Therefore, in the opinion of the LFF EC, considering the above, it would be fair, sporting, fair, and prudent to treat both situations equally, especially in this specific case because the LFF A League championship is almost over, with only two rounds left to play. Therefore, the interpretation of Article 96 of the LFF competition regulations mentioned would not contradict and would ensure the proper implementation of the LFF Statute.
Based on these arguments, the majority of the LFF EC decided to uphold the results of "Klaipėdos granitas" in the 2015 Lithuanian "SMSCredit.lt A League" championship.
In the remaining two matches - on November 22 against "Stumbra" and November 28 against "Šiauliai" - "Klaipėdos granitas" will be credited with technical losses with a score of 0:3.
Expecting a decision from the Lithuanian Seimas
At the same time, the Lithuanian Football Federation notes that the removal of "Klaipėdos granitas" from the Lithuanian championship is a drastic but necessary decision in the fight for fair play. The LFF urges clubs, players, and participants in the matches to focus on sports values and not tolerate any signs of unfair play.
Collaborating with law enforcement, the legal community, and other partners, the LFF seeks to prevent unfair play practices with effective legislative measures. The LFF is convinced that such sanctions against clubs would be avoided in the future if the proposed amendments to the Criminal Code and Criminal Intelligence Laws are adopted by the Lithuanian Parliament, which were approved for further consideration in October after approval.
