The A Lyga is the top division of professional football in Lithuania. It is organized by LFF (Lithuanian: Lietuvos Futbolo Federacija). League size has varied between 8 and 12 teams over the past few years; from 2016 season, the league features 8 teams. The season usually kicks off in late March/early April every year; because of the harsh climate there are no games in the winter.
The 2017 A Lyga is the 28th season of the A Lyga, the top-tier association football league of Lithuania. The season began on 3 March 2017 and is scheduled to end on 19 November 2017.
Žalgiris Vilnius are the defending champions having won fourth consecutive league title the previous year.
A total of eight teams will be contesting the league, including six sides from the previous season, one promoted from the 2016 LFF I Lyga and the winners of the 2016 A Lyga Relegation play-offs.
Utenis managed to withstand against I Lyga runners-up Palanga in the play-offs and for the 3rd consecutive season continue to play in the A Lyga.
2015 LFF I Lyga champions FK Lietava changed they name to FK Jonava after received permission from Lithuanian Football Federation.
Kauno Žalgiris were relegated at the end of 2016 season and replaced by 2016 LFF I Lyga champions Šilas. It was going to be a debut in the top tier for Kazlų Rūda team.
Before the beginning of the season, newcomers Šilas were accused of match-fixing during a 2017 Virsligas Winter Cup match with FS METTA. Soon after Lithuanian Football Federation started an investigation to determine validity of these claims. At the time all club trainings and friendly matches were revoked.On 24 February, club chairman Audrius Raškauskas announced, that players received a permission to look for the new clubs while Šilas most probably will withdrew from the league into lower divisions of Lithuanian football.
On 24 February 2017 Lithuanian Football Federation announced that Šilas withdrew from the league and will be replaced by last year participants Kauno Žalgiris, who were only non-participating team, which received a valid license for A Lyga
The following eight clubs are participating in the 2017 season.
Relegation Play Off
The 7th placed team will face the runners-up of the 2017 LFF I Lyga for a two-legged play-off. The winner on aggregate score after both matches will earn entry into the 2018 A Lyga.
28 October 2017 Banga 1-2 Stumbras
4 November 2017 Stumbras 3-0 Banga
Stumbras won 5–1 on aggregate.
Source: http://lff.lt/varzybos/a-lyga/
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