Latvia's national football stadium could cost around €86 million
The Latvian Football Federation estimates that building a national football stadium would cost roughly €86 million, of which it currently has only about €11 million available. The remaining funds are expected to come from a public-private partnership.
The Latvian Football Federation (LFF) has released preliminary cost estimates for a new national football stadium, projecting the project at approximately €86 million. Of that sum, the federation currently has only around €11 million available.
The figures emerged after FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited Latvia on Monday. He met with LFF President Vadims Ļašenko and Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs.
Private partner needed
Kulbergs acknowledged the project's importance both for providing modern sports infrastructure and for Latvia's bid to host the U-20 World Cup. However, he stressed that the missing funding cannot come from the state alone — a private partner must also be brought into the project. In the prime minister's view, cooperation between the public and private sectors will form the foundation of the project, and all parties involved need to work to ensure the plan is realized on time so the U-20 championship can take place in Latvia.
Stance on Russia's participation in competitions
During the meeting, Kulbergs also made clear his position on Russia's possible return to international competitions, stating that as long as Russia continues its full-scale war against Ukraine, the aggressor country's return to international football is unacceptable for Latvia. He said such decisions undermine global support for Ukraine and that Russia is using sport to advance its political interests.
Economy Minister Viktors Valainis had previously also expressed support for developing the national stadium on the site of the former "Skonto" stadium.
