The Lithuanian top football division was shaken to its core after FBK Kaunas and Atlantas withdrew their participation on 20 March 2009.
Both teams cited serious differences with the Lithuanian Football Federation over the way the league has been led in the past as a reason.
[3] This was the second blow to the league within two weeks after Žalgiris were denied a license for this season because of excessive financial problems on 6 March 2009.
[4] As a consequence, the chairman of the National Football Clubs' Association (NFKA), Gintaras Ugianskis, resigned from his post.
Banga Gargždai, LKKA ir Teledema Kaunas and Kruoja Pakruojis were appointed to the league.