2020 in Estonian football

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Football in Estonia
Season2020
Men's football
MeistriliigaTallinna Flora
EsiliigaPärnu Vaprus
Esiliiga BPaide Linnameeskond U21
Beach footballAugur Enemat
Indoor footballViimsi Smsraha
Tipneri karikasTallinna Flora
SupercupTallinna Flora
Women's football
MeistriliigaTallinna Flora
EsiliigaTallinna Ajax & Paide LN
Indoor footballPae United
Estonian CupTallinna Flora
← 2019 Estonia 2021 →

This page summarizes Estonian football in 2020. It contains information about the league system, national teams, beach football and futsal. On 13 March 2020, football was suspended in Estonia due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Meistriliiga was resumed on 19 May and Esiliiga and Esiliiga B were continued a week later.

National teams[edit]

Men[edit]

Senior[edit]

26 March 2020 Friendly Estonia  Cancelled  New Caledonia Tallinn, Estonia
21:00 (UTC+3) Stadium: A. Le Coq Arena
3 June 2020 Baltic Cup Lithuania  Postponed  Estonia Lithuania
7 June 2020 Friendly Finland  Postponed  Estonia Tampere, Finland
16:00 (UTC+3) Stadium: Tampere Stadium
11 June 2020 Baltic Cup Estonia  Postponed  Latvia Kuressaare, Estonia
19:00 (UTC+3) Stadium: Kuressaare linnastaadion
5 September 2020 Nations League C Estonia  0–1  Georgia Tallinn, Estonia
18:00 (19:00 UTC+3) Report
  • Kacharava 32'
 Stadium: A. Le Coq Arena
Attendance: 0
Referee: Donatas Rumšas (Lithuania)
8 September 2020 Nations League C Armenia  2–0  Estonia Yerevan, Armenia
18:00 (20:00 UTC+4)
Report Stadium: Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: David Coote (England)
7 October 2020 Friendly Estonia  1–3  Lithuania Tallinn, Estonia
19:00 (UTC+3)
Report
Stadium: A. Le Coq Arena
Attendance: 718
Referee: Antti Munukka (Finland)
11 October 2020 Nations League C Estonia  3–3  North Macedonia Tallinn, Estonia
18:00 (19:00 UTC+3)
Report
Stadium: A. Le Coq Arena
Attendance: 908
Referee: Mohammed Al-Hakim (Sweden)
14 October 2020 Nations League C Estonia  1–1  Armenia Tallinn, Estonia
20:45 (21:45 UTC+3)
Report
Stadium: A. Le Coq Arena
Attendance: 1007
Referee: Luis Godinho (Portugal)
11 November 2020 Friendly Italy  4–0  Estonia Florence, Italy
19:00 (UTC+3)
Report Stadium: Stadio Artemio Franchi
Attendance: 0
Referee: Rade Obrenović (Slovenia)
15 November 2020 Nations League C North Macedonia  2–1  Estonia Skopje, North Macedonia
16:00
Report
Stadium: National Arena Toše Proeski
Attendance: 0
Referee: Marius Avram (Romania)
18 November 2020 Nations League C Georgia  0–0  Estonia Tbilisi, Georgia
18:00 (21:00 UTC+4) Report Stadium: Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena
Attendance: 0
Referee: Irfan Peljto (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Under 23[edit]

No arranged fixtures.

Under 21[edit]

4 September 2020 Euro 2021 quali. Estonia  0–6  Poland Pärnu, Estonia
18:00 (19:00 EEST) Report
Stadium: Pärnu Rannastaadion
Attendance: 0
Referee: Petri Viljanen (Finland)
8 September 2020 Euro 2021 quali. Latvia  1–1  Estonia Jelgava, Latvia
16:00 (17:00 EEST)
Report
Stadium: Zemgale Olympic Center
Attendance: 0
Referee: Goga Kikacheishvili (Georgia)
9 October 2020 Euro 2021 quali. Russia  4–0  Estonia Khimki, Russia
17:00 (18:00 MSK)
Report Stadium: Arena Khimki
Attendance: 650[1]
Referee: Antonio Nobre (Portugal)
13 October 2020 Euro 2021 quali. Estonia  0–0  Serbia Jūrmala, Latvia
15:00 (16:00 EEST) Report Stadium: Slokas Stadium[note 1]
Attendance: 0
Referee: Paul McLaughlin (Ireland)
17 November 2020 Euro 2021 quali. Bulgaria  3–0  Estonia Sofia, Bulgaria
17:30 (18:30 EET)
Report Stadium: Slavia Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Walter Altmann (Austria)

Under 19[edit]

6 September 2020 Friendly Estonia  Cancelled  Faroe Islands Estonia
8 September 2020 Friendly Estonia  Cancelled  Faroe Islands Estonia
11 November 2020 Euro 2021 quali. Republic of Ireland  Postponed  Estonia Ireland
14 November 2020 Euro 2021 quali. Poland  Postponed  Estonia Ireland
17 November 2020 Euro 2021 quali. Estonia  Postponed  Bosnia and Herzegovina Ireland

Under 18[edit]

2 September 2020 Euro 2022 quali. Kosovo  Postponed  Estonia Estonia
5 September 2020 Euro 2022 quali. Armenia  Postponed  Estonia Estonia
8 September 2020 Euro 2022 quali. Estonia  Postponed  Luxembourg Estonia

Under 17[edit]

28 August 2020 Baltic Cup Latvia  4–0  Estonia Jelgava, Latvia
17:00
  • Dario Šits 3'
  • Daniels Nosegbe Suško 11'
  • Armans Muradjans 46'
  • Gleb Patika 48'
 Report Stadium: Zemgale Olympic Center
Attendance: 0
Referee: Kristaps Ratnieks
29 August 2020 Baltic Cup Estonia  0–1  Lithuania Jelgava, Latvia
15:00 Report
  • Martin Perveinis 41'
 Stadium: Zemgale Olympic Center
Attendance: 0
Referee: Arturs Vitolins
21 October 2020 Euro 2021 quali. Republic of Ireland  Postponed  Estonia Ireland
24 October 2020 Euro 2021 quali. Slovakia  Postponed  Estonia Ireland
27 October 2020 Euro 2021 quali. Estonia  Postponed  Northern Ireland Ireland

Under 16[edit]

No arranged fixtures.

Under 15[edit]

No arranged fixtures.

Women[edit]

Senior[edit]

6 March 2020 Friendly Wales  2–0  Estonia Wrexham, Wales
21:00
Report Stadium: Racecourse Ground
Attendance: 2,015
Referee: Lorraine Watson
9 March 2020 Friendly Faroe Islands  1–1  Estonia Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
19:00
Report
Stadium: Tórsvøllur
Referee: Alex Trolels
18 September 2020 Euro 2021 quali. Kosovo  2–0  Estonia Pristina, Kosovo
19:00
Report Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Olivia Tschon (Austria)
22 September 2020 (2020-09-22) Euro 2021 quali. Estonia  0–3  Russia Jūrmala, Latvia
15:00 (16:00 EEST) Report
Stadium: Slokas Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Simona Ghisletta (Switzerland)
23 October 2020 Euro 2021 quali. Netherlands  7–0  Estonia Groningen, Netherlands
19:30
Report Stadium: Euroborg
Attendance: 0
Referee: Tess Olofsson (Sweden)
February 2021 (2021-02)[3][note 2] Euro 2021 quali. Estonia  Postponed  Slovenia Tallinn, Estonia
Report Stadium: A. Le Coq Arena
Referee: Volha Tsiareshka (Belarus)
26 November 2020 Friendly Estonia  Cancelled  Belarus Tallinn, Estonia
Stadium: EJL Sisehall
27 November 2020 Euro 2021 quali. Estonia  0–4  Turkey Tallinn, Estonia
17:00 (18:00 EET) Report
Stadium: Sportsland
Attendance: 127
Referee: Volha Tsiareshka (Belarus)
29 November 2020 Friendly Estonia  Cancelled  Belarus Tallinn, Estonia
Stadium: EJL Sisehall
1 December 2020 Euro 2021 quali. Slovenia  2–0  Estonia Koper, Slovenia
18:00
Report Stadium: Bonifika Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Maria Marotta (Italy)

Under 19[edit]

No arranged fixtures.

Under 17[edit]

No arranged fixtures.

Under 15[edit]

No arranged fixtures.

Futsal[edit]

30 January 2020 Euro 2022 quali. Estonia  1–6  Latvia Jelgava, Latvia
19:00 (UTC+3)
  • E. Stüf 22'
 Report
  • Kulešovs 2', 11'
  • Babris 5', 19'
  • Matjušenko 25'
  • J. Pastars 37'
 Stadium: Zemgale Olympic Center
Referee: Switzerland David Schaerli
31 January 2020 Euro 2022 quali. Denmark  4–2  Estonia Jelgava, Latvia
19:00 (UTC+3)
  • Mengel 9', 16'
  • Falck 13'
  • Laursen 33'
 Report
  • Babjak 24'
  • Haagh 40' (o.g.)
 Stadium: Zemgale Olympic Center
Referee: Greece Vasilios Christodoulis

Beach[edit]

No arranged fixtures.

League system[edit]

Men[edit]

Meistriliiga[edit]

See also: 2020 Meistriliiga

The 2020 season saw one new team. Maardu Linnameeskond finished last in 2019, and as such, were automatically relegated to the Esiliiga. They were replaced by Tallinna Legion, a team that had been promoted three seasons in a row. Manager Denis Belov said that the club were aiming for a top four position,[4] with the debutant making several high-profile signings (these being Maksim Gussev, Pavel Londak and Andrei Sidorenkov). Additionally, two of the top three teams from the previous season hired a new manager. FCI Levadia hired former national team coach Martin Reim, while Nõmme Kalju's new manager was Marko Kristal. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Estonian FA decided to split the league into 'champion' (top six teams) and 'relegation (bottom four teams) groups after the 27th round.[5] On the 7th of November it was decided that instead of the top six teams playing each other after the 27th round, only the league's four best teams will play with each other once more. The 5th and 6th placed clubs will play a match if the 6th team has a possibility of catching the 5th placed team.[6]

Relegation play-off:

Team 1 Agg.Tooltip Aggregate score Team 2 1st leg 2nd leg
Maardu Linnameeskond (Esiliiga 2nd) 5–9 Kuressaare (Meistriliiga 9th) 3–5 2–4

Esiliiga[edit]

There were four changes of clubs compared to the 2019 season. Esiliiga B's reigning champion Nõmme United were promoted to the second tier for the first time in their history, while Pärnu and Vändra Vaprus were also promoted, returning to the league after twelve and four years respectively in lower divisions. The three clubs replaced Tartu Welco, Tallinna Kalev U21 and Rakvere Tarvas, who were relegated after the 2019 season. Maardu Linnameeskond was relegated from the top division, taking the place of 2019 Esiliiga champion Tallinna Legion. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Estonian FA decided to split the league into 'promotion' (top six teams) and 'relegation (bottom four teams) groups after the 27th round.[8]

Relegation play-off:

Team 1 Agg.Tooltip Aggregate score Team 2 1st leg 2nd leg
Tabasalu (Esiliiga B 4th) 2–8 Pärnu (Esiliiga 8th) 1–3 1–5

Esiliiga B[edit]

Main article: 2020 Esiliiga B

The 2020 Esiliiga B season introduced four new clubs to the division: for the first time a team from Lääne County - Läänemaa, and three bottom teams of the 2019 Esiliiga season - Rakvere Tarvas, Tallinna Kalev U21 and Tartu Welco. These clubs replace the worst team of last season - Põhja-Tallinna Volta - and the three best teams - Pärnu JK, Vändra Vaprus and Nõmme United. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Estonian FA decided to split the league into 'promotion' (top four teams) and 'relegation (bottom four teams) groups after the 27th round. The fifth and sixth team will play another match if the sixth team has a possibility of catching the fifth team.[8]

Relegation play-off:

Team 1 Agg.Tooltip Aggregate score Team 2 1st leg 2nd leg
Tallinn (II N/E 2nd) — Raasiku Joker (II S/W 2nd) — —
Team 1 Agg.Tooltip Aggregate score Team 2 1st leg 2nd leg
Tallinn (II league play-off winner) 1–0 Võru Helios (Esiliiga B 8th) 1–0 0–0

II liiga[edit]

Main article: 2020 II liiga
2020 in Estonian football is located in Estonia
Maardu II
Maardu II
TALLINN
Järve II
Järve II
Sil. Kalev
Trans II
Trans II
Noorus-96
Wolves
Wolves
Helios / Welco II
Helios / Welco II
Tammeka III
Tammeka III
Viimsi II
Viimsi II
Joker
Saue / Harju
Raplamaa
Paide III
Paide III
Põhja-Sakala
Tulevik U21
Poseidon / Vaprus II
Poseidon / Vaprus II
Kuressaare II
Kuressaare II
Kose
Kose
class=notpageimage|
Locations of the 2020 II liiga teams

Group A (North & East)
Compared to the 2019 season, there were three changes of teams. FC Tallinn, winner of the III liiga East, and play-off winner Tartu Helios were promoted from the III liiga, replacing Tartu Santos and Tallinna Ararat, who were both relegated. Meanwhile, Põhja-Tallinna Volta were relegated from the Esiliiga B after just one season. They took their reserve team's spot in the league, who were hence relegated to the III liiga. While two clubs (FCI Tallinn and Sillamäe Kalev) would have been promoted to the Esiliiga B from the results of the previous season, both remained in the fourth tier of Estonian football. FCI Tallinn could not be promoted as they were the second reserve team of FCI Levadia and would have been required to compete in the third tier as Tallinna FCI Levadia U19.[10] Sillamäe Kalev, on the other hand, was yet to pay its debts and was forbidden from entering the top three leagues.[11]

The 2020 season ended with Tallinna JK Legion II winning its first title. They were ahead of the second-placed debutant FC Tallinn by only head-to-head points (5:2 and 3:2 to Legion II) and FCI Tallinn, who were the reigning champions, finished third with 57 points, which is the most points for a bronze medalist. Jõgeva Wolves withdrew their last two games (in addition to one in the middle of the season) and was therefore disqualified from the league. The second to last team was Tartu Tammeka III, who was passed by Tartu Helios in the last rounds. The season's most-watched game was held on 29 July, when Narva Trans U21 defeated Tallinna Legion II. The match, which was played on the Narva Kalev-FAMA stadium, had 202 people in attendance.

Group B (South & West)

While in previous years the league had seen many arrivals and departures every season, in 2020, only two clubs joined the league. Two clubs from the Saue Parish were victorious in their respective leagues: Saue, champions of the 2019 III liiga West, made its return to the league after three years, while Harju Laagri made its debut in the fourth tier of Estonian football after winning the III liiga North in 2019. These two clubs will replace Läänemaa, who got promoted to the Esiliiga B (as neither Paide Linnameeskond III nor Tallinna Kalev III could have been promoted[10]), and Kose, who finished the 2019 season in last place and were relegated to the III liiga West.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic previous season's second-best team, Tallinna Kalev III, decided against taking part this season. They got replaced by Kose, who was originally supposed to play in III liiga. The season was comfortably won by Paide Linnameeskond III, who won its third title in a row. In addition, it is the best result – only one draw and zero losses from 26 games – in the league's history (Pärnu Vaprus also amassed 76 points in 2004 but had two games more). Due to the fact that Paide Linnameeskond III would have to change its name to Paide Linnameeskond U19, the club opted against getting promoted. Therefore, second-placed Harju Laagri got promoted instead. Also, none of the following three teams (Raasiku Joker, Saue and Kuressaare II) wanted to participate in the promotion play-offs and thus II liiga N/E second-placed Tallinn got to play with Esiliiga B's 8th team.[12] The season's relegated teams were Pärnu Poseidon and Kose, who were in the bottom two for most of the year. Põhja-Sakala was third from last and had to compete in the relegation play-offs. In the end they decided against playing and were thus also relegated. The league's top scorer was Kuressaare II's Maarek Suursaar with his 38 goals. The most-viewed game of the 2020 season was held in the second to last round when the champions beat the home team Raplamaa in front of 132 fans.

Champion's match:

21 November Final Paide Linnameeskond III 0–0
(4–5 p)		 Tallinna JK Legion II Paide, Estonia
13:00 UTC+03 Report Stadium: Paide kunstmuruväljak
Attendance: 80
Referee: Karl Kena

Relegation play-off:
The play-offs for the last places in the next season's II liiga were held on four separate occasions: first the preliminary rounds on the 8th and 14 November and later the finals on the 18th and 22 November. The preliminary rounds are held between the second-placed teams in the fifth division (the South and West as well as the North and East silver medalists play each other). Due to the fact that the South league's second team Otepää did not wish to get promoted, Rummu Dünamo reached the finals without a game. In addition, their next opponent Põhja-Sakala also forfeited the duel and thus the team playing in Paldiski Arena was promoted to the higher tier. In the North-East side there were more play-off games: while the III liiga North second-placed Tallinna Zenit also opted against promotion, they were replaced by the sixth placed Saku Sporting. In the end the club situated in Saku managed to defeat Paide Linnameeskond IV and reach the finals, where they went against Lasnamäe Ajax, who competed in the Esiliiga B two years before. Saku won their first match at home, but suffered a 0–3 loss in Tallinn.

Team 1 Agg.Tooltip Aggregate score Team 2 1st leg 2nd leg
Saku Sporting (III N 6th) 8–7 Paide Linnameeskond IV (III E 2nd) 5–3 3–4
Saku Sporting (play-off winner) 4–6 Lasnamäe FC Ajax (II N/E 12th) 4–3 0–3
Team 1 Agg.Tooltip Aggregate score Team 2 1st leg 2nd leg
Rummu Dünamo (III W 2nd) w/o Otepää (III S 2nd) — —
Rummu Dünamo (play-off winner) w/o Põhja-Sakala (II S/W 12th) — —

III liiga[edit]

2020 in Estonian football is located in Estonia
Aliens
Aliens
Loo
Järve III
Järve III
Kalev
Kalev
Anija
Anija
Järva-Jaani
Järva-Jaani
Phoenix
Paide IV
Paide IV
Ganvix
Tarvas II
Tarvas II
Keila II
Keila II
Rummu
Rummu
Kernu / Zenit
Kernu / Zenit
Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa
Märjamaa
Märjamaa
Pärnu II
Pärnu II
Tabasalu II
Tabasalu II
Vastseliina
Äksi
Äksi
TARTU
TARTU
TRT77
TRT77
Elva II
Elva II
Tarvastu
Tarvastu
Lootos
Otepää
Warrior
Imavere
TALLINN
TALLINN
Saku
Saku
class=notpageimage|
Locations of the 2020 III liiga teams

Group A (North)
Estonian's fifth tier North division, which has mostly clubs from the capital, had three new teams in 2020. Tallinna Ararat, who got relegated from II liiga after last season, joined the league after nine seasons in upper divisions. In addition, IV liiga's champion Nõmme Kalju III and Toompea got promoted and therefore replaced Harju Laagri (promoted), Tallinna Olympic Olybet and Maarjamäe Igiliikur (both relegated). Tallinna Štrommi, who finished last in 2019, got to stay in the division.

The season finished with Lilleküla Retro winning its third title in the III liiga. The team, who was managed by Tarmo Rüütli, only lost three games during the whole season and ended the year with an eleven-point gap to the nearest rival Tallinna Zenit. The league's top scorer was Retro's striker Dmitry Skiperskiy with his 37 goals in 22 games. The two teams who got relegated where Toompea, who lost 13 games in a row, and Rumori Calcio, who got passed by Nõmme Kalju III in the penultimate round. Due to the fact that none of the teams above the sixth-placed Saku Sporting wished to get promoted, the Harjumaa-based team got to participate in the promotion play-offs.

Group B (South)
III liiga South had four changes in comparison to the previous year: both Tartu Helios II and Tartu TRT77 will be debuting in the fifth division, Põlva Lootos returns after a year in the IV liiga and Imavere joins the league after having skipped last season entirely. These teams replace Tartu Helios (promoted), Illi & Jõgeva Noorus-96 ÜM (relegated) as well as EMÜ and Võru Helios II, who will not participate in the league system this year.

The season, which was extremely close-fought, ended with Elva II's winning its first title. They were four points ahead of Otepää, who were the reigning champions of III liiga South. One of the season's best performers were Vastseliina, who managed to be at the top of the table for the first fourteen rounds. Their downfall came in the autumn, when they lost four of their last eight matches. The relegation battle was between three teams - Tartu TRT77, Põlva Lootos and Äksi Wolves. While for most of the season, the trio was extremely close, then in the last few rounds, the Jõgevamaa based team fell behind. Due to the fact that in the 17th round, Tarvastu & Tõrva ÜM withdrew for a second time, they were instantly disqualified from the season. Therefore, them as well as Wolves got relegated. In addition to them, 10th placed Lootos lost to Tallinna Jalgpallihaigla in the relegation play-offs and was also relegated. The season's top scorer was Elva's Karl-Ernst Saal with his 33 goals.

Group C (East)
In this season's East division there are four new members. Kohtla-Järve Järve III (promoted), Rakvere Tarvas II, Tartu Kalev and Jõhvi Phoenix, who all have not participated in any division in the last few years. They replace Tallinna Augur (relegated), Tallinn (promoted), and Kadrina as well as Põhja-Tallinna Volta III. After the COVID-19 outbreak two teams - Sillamäe and Koeru - decided also not to take part in the league this year. Therefore, there are only ten teams competing this year. One remarkable addition was made by Phoenix, who signed Vladimir Aga, former Zimbru Chișinău head coach, as their new manager.[13]

Group D (West)
Western Estonia's III league had, as III liiga East, only ten teams taking part of the season. After the COVID-19 pandemic, Kose and Pärnu Poseidon II, who were both originally supposed to play in III liiga West, were respectively promoted and relegated one league tier. Also, Põhja-Tallinna Volta II, Tabasalu II, Tallinna Legion III and Tallinna Pocarr will compete and therefore replace Saaremaa aameraaS, Pakri Alexela, Kohila Püsivus (all not taking part of the league system), Saue (promoted) and Haapsalu (relegated).

League champion:

Semifinals Final
      
N Lilleküla Retro 0
E Tartu Kalev 2
E Tartu Kalev 4
S Elva II 0
S Elva II 1
W Hiiumaa 0

Relegation play-off:

Team 1 Agg.Tooltip Aggregate score Team 2 1st leg 2nd leg
Kristiine (IV B 1st) — Nõmme Kalju III (III N 10th) — —
Team 1 Agg.Tooltip Aggregate score Team 2 1st leg 2nd leg
Tallinna TransferWise (IV B 2nd) — Põhja-Tallinna Volta II (III E 10th) — —
Team 1 Agg.Tooltip Aggregate score Team 2 1st leg 2nd leg
Läänemaa Haapsalu (IV B 3rd) 13–4 Anija (III W 10th) 10–2 3–2
Team 1 Agg.Tooltip Aggregate score Team 2 1st leg 2nd leg
Tallinna Jalgpallihaigla (IV B 4th) 4–2 Põlva Lootos (III S 10th) 2–2 2–0

IV liiga[edit]

Women[edit]

Naiste Meistriliiga[edit]

After the conclusion of the 2019 season, Pärnu JK announced that they will not compete in the 2020 season due to financial difficulties. Therefore, both Nõmme Kalju and Pärnu Vaprus will be promoted to the top division, as Tallinna Legion, Tallinna Ajax and Kuressaare did not want to join the league. Coincidentally, Nõmme Kalju and Pärnu Vaprus both played in the 2019 Esiliiga relegation play-offs.

Relegation play-off:

Team 1 Agg.Tooltip Aggregate score Team 2 1st leg 2nd leg
Tabasalu (Esiliiga 2nd) 0–3 Tartu Tammeka (Meistriliiga 7th) 0–1 0–2

Naiste Esiliiga[edit]

For the first time in nine years, Naiste Esiliiga is the lowest tier of women's football in Estonia. This was caused by the fact that only four teams applied for the II liiga spot. Therefore, the Estonian FA decided to merge the second and the third tier of women's football.[14] The 2020 season has 12 competitors: five teams remain from last season, three are promoted from the II liiga, three clubs make their debut (Tabasalu, Rakvere Tarvas and Jõhvi Phoenix) and in addition, Tallinna Ajax merged with Paide Linnanaiskond. During the season's main phase, each team played once with each other. After the 11th round, the league table was split in half and every team played five more games.

The season ended with Tallinna Ajax & Paide Linnanaiskond winning their first Esiliiga title. This ended Pärnu's reserve team's streak of winning six titles in a row. Silvermedalists – Tabasalu – spent most of the season right behind the eventual winners. Their title hopes collapsed in the 13th round, when they lost 0:4 to Tallinna Ajax & Paide Linnanaiskond. In the last three rounds they only got three points. Despite their poor finish, they still qualified for the promotion play-offs, where they will go against Meistriliiga's 7th team Tartu Tammeka. Kohtla-Järve Järve's season was extremely unsuccessful as they received zero points and had 141 goals scored against them.

The season's top scorer was Tallinna Ajax & Paide Linnanaiskond's striker Gerli Israel, who scored 26 goals.

  • TALLINN → Ajax & Paide, Flora II, Kalev II, Legion

Youth[edit]

U19 leagues[edit]

U19 Eliitliiga Meistriliiga play-off:

4. January 2020 Preseason play-offViljandi Tulevik U191–3 Nõmme Kalju U19 Tallinn
13:00
  • Jarmo Randmäe 79'
 Report
  • Karl Siimson 7' (og)
  • Kristjan Rattasepp 37'
  • Karl Stefan Lill 52'
 Stadium: EJL jalgpallihall
Attendance: 49
Referee: Martti Pukk

Main season:

U17 leagues[edit]

U16 leagues[edit]

U15 leagues[edit]

Futsal[edit]

Coolbet saaliliiga[edit]

2020 had several team changes in comparison to the previous season. Three clubs changed their names (Tartu Ravens Futsal EMÜ became Tartu Ravens Futsal Ares Security; Sillamäe FC NPM Silmet became Sillamäe FC Molycorp Silmet; Sillamäe JK Dina became Sillamäe Alexela), while relegated Narva Ganza was replaced by Sillamäe Alexela. Additionally, the fourth-placed team of the 2018–19 Esiliiga, Tallinna Augur Enemat, decided against competing in the top tier. Therefore, Tartu Maksimum was spared from relegation and JK Kohila was promoted to the Meistriliiga for the first time.[16]

The main season ended with Viimsi winning firmly and Alexela barely finishing second (fifth-placed Ravens was only a point behind). The other three teams determined the relegated team, which in the end was Molycorp Silmet, who had a worse goal difference than Maksimum. The relegation play-offs were not played between Maksimum and Kadrina because Esiliigas fourth team did not want to get promoted. Also, the final tournament was not finished due to the COVID-19 epidemic. Therefore, Viimsi Smsraha was declared champions. The season's top scorer was Maksimum's Priit Peedo with his 20 goals.

Play-off:

QuarterfinalSemifinalFinal
1Sillamäe Alexela5XX
3Narva United992Narva United1XX
6Kohila030–––––––––––––XXX
–––––––––––––XXX
2Viimsi Smsraha7XX
4Tallinna Cosmos3 (7)52Tallinna Cosmos5XX
5Tartu Ravens Futsal Ares Security3 (6)30

Relegation play-off:

Team 1 Agg.Tooltip Aggregate score Team 2 1st leg 2nd leg
Tartu Maksimum (Meistriliiga 7th) +:– SK Kadrina (Esiliiga 4th) +:– +:–

Saali Esiliiga[edit]

In comparison to the 2019 season, only half of the league's teams remained the same. JK Kohila and Sillamäe Alexela were promoted to the Meistriliiga, while Tallinna Maccabi and reigning champions of the Saali Esiliiga, Tallinna FC Cosmos II, decided not to participate in the top three leagues. This saved the 2019 season's last-placed club Sillamäe from relegation, who instead remained in the league. In addition, the league had new entrants in the form of Narva Ganza (relegated from the Meistriliiga) and Kadrina (promoted from the Teine liiga). The final two clubs to participate were the reserve teams of Viimsi Smsraha and Narva United.

In conclusion, Narva United II won its second Esiliiga title with 33 points and Rummu Dünamo finished for the first time as the best independent team. Therefore, they were given the opportunity to replace Sillamäe NPM Silmet, who finished last this season, in the Coolbet Saaliliiga. As Kadrina were the second-best independent team, they were qualified to play promotion play-offs, which they decided not to participate in. On the other side of the league, Narva Ganza, who were in the highest division in 2018, got relegated. In addition, Sillamäe also gave up the opportunity to play relegation play-offs against Rõuge Saunamaa, who was thereby promoted to Esiliiga.[17]

Relegation play-off:

Team 1 Agg.Tooltip Aggregate score Team 2 1st leg 2nd leg
FC Sillamäe (Esiliiga 7th) –:+ Rõuge Saunamaa (II liiga 2nd) –:+ –:+

Saali Teine liiga[edit]

The lowest tier of the futsal league system had seven participants in 2020, one less than the previous year. Three clubs remained in the league (Rõuge, Rummu II and Äksi), while four other teams competed in their debut seasons: Aruküla, Otepää, EstNor and Võru Helios.

The season ended with Aruküla Unibox winning each game and therefore being crowned the champions. As a result, they were promoted to the second tier. Rõuge Saunamaa, the team which finished the last two seasons in third place, finished the 2020 season in second and qualified for the promotion play-offs. Both teams secured their places multiple rounds before the end of the season. The league's top scorer was Rauno Randjõe from Aruküla, who scored 31 goals in 11 games.

Women's Saali Meistriliiga[edit]

The second season of the women's futsal championship had five contestants. As there was no second division, the last-placed team did not get relegated and thus all clubs from the competition's debut season (except for FC RaDina) are taking part. One completely new team joined the league, Tallinna FC Ajax. At first, last season's second-placed team Põltsamaa SK Motiiv decided not to compete. However, prior to the start of the season they merged with Tartu SK 10 Premium and took part in the league.[18]

Beach football[edit]

Coolbet RannaLiiga — Meistriliiga[edit]

In 2020 the Estonian FA and Latvian FA decided to merge their top beach football seasons. The league consists of five Estonian teams (last year's top four + Türi) and three Latvian teams. While in the beginning it was decided that there will be more than four rounds and a play-off at the end of the season, then due to the COVID-19 pandemic all teams played each other twice and there was not a final tournament. Three stages were hosted by Sportland Beach Pärnu Arena and one round was played in Jurmala. The best Estonian and Latvian team progressed to the 2021 Euro Winners Cup tournament.[19]

The historic season ended with SK Augur Enemat firmly winning its third title (the first two being in 2013 and 2018). Last season's champion Thunder Arvutitark finished second, eleven points behind the champions. The league's third placed team was also from Estonia - Nõmme Olybet managed to reach the top three for the fourth consecutive season. The best Latvian team was BSC LAT, who placed fourth. After the season, the FA decided to award Kristian Marmor as the league's best player, Sander Lepik as the best goalscorer (20 goals) and Markus Lukk as the best keeper. All winning players represented Augur.[20]

Pos Team Pld W W+ WP L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 Estonia Augur Enemat 14 12 1 0 1 89 32 +57 38 2021 Euro Winners Cup
2 Estonia Thunder Arvutitark 14 9 0 0 5 60 53 +7 27
3 Estonia Nõmme OlyBet 14 8 0 0 6 70 36 +34 24
4 Latvia LAT 14 6 1 2 5 52 55 −3 22 2021 Euro Winners Cup
5 Latvia Ropaži 14 6 0 2 6 43 55 −12 20
6 Latvia Beitar Kauguri 14 5 0 0 9 52 60 −8 15
7 Estonia Üksjalgvärav Elementmaster 14 3 1 0 10 53 75 −22 11
8 Estonia Türi 14 0 0 0 14 36 89 −53 0
Source: jalgpall.ee

Coolbet RannaLiiga — Esiliiga[edit]

Eight teams were originally supposed to take part of the 2020 Beach football Esiliiga season, but Team Viimsi, who did not show up to the first round, were disqualified. While five of the teams remained the same as last year, then Prokon and Tickmill both made their debuts. Last season's silvermedalists BSC Türi decided to participate in the higher division. The first two rounds were won by All-Stars, who were six points ahead of the second-placed JK Fellin. But the leader was unsuccessful in the following two rounds and therefore they were passed by eventual winners Chromotex and Schötlli. Consequently, Chromotex won their second title in a row, while Schötlli were awarded their first medal. The best player of the season was Aleksander Frischer, the best goalkeeper was Kalev Moppel (both Chromotex) and the best goalscorer was Jaagup Luhakooder (Schöttli).

Cup competitions[edit]

Tipneri karikavõistlused[edit]

Main article: 2019-20 Estonian Cup
Quarterfinals Semifinals Final
         
1 Nõmme Kalju 1
1 Narva Trans 2
1 Narva Trans 4
1 Tallinna Kalev 1
3 Võru Helios 0
1 Tallinna Kalev 6
1 Narva Trans 1
1 Tallinna Flora 2
2 Elva 3
4 Kohtla-Järve Järve U21 1
2 Elva 2
1 Tallinna Flora 4
1 Tartu Tammeka 0
1 Tallinna Flora 3

Home teams listed on top of bracket. (AET): At Extra Time

Small Cup[edit]

Main article: 2020 Estonian Small Cup
Quarterfinals Semifinals Final
         
5 Saku Sporting 0
5 Tallinna Zenit 2
5 Tallinna Zenit 2
5 Otepää 0
5 Tallinna Zapoos 0
5 Otepää 4
5 Tallinna Zenit 2
4 Tallinna Legion II 3
4 Paide Linnameeskond III 4
4 Harju Laagri 2
4 Paide Linnameeskond III 2
4 Tallinna Legion II 7
4 Tallinna Legion II (4) 1
4 Põhja-Tallinna Volta (3) 1

Home teams listed on top of bracket. (AET): At Extra Time

Women's Cup[edit]

Quarterfinals Semifinals Final
         
2 Tallinna Legion 0
2 Tallinna Flora II 2
2 Tallinna Flora II 0
1 Tallinna Flora 11
1 Pärnu X
1 Tallinna Flora X
1 Tallinna Flora 6
1 Tallinna Kalev 0
1 Pärnu Vaprus (2) 2
1 Tallinna Kalev (4) 2
1 Tallinna Kalev 2
1 Saku Sporting 1
1 Saku Sporting 12
1 Nõmme Kalju 0

Home teams listed on top of bracket. (AET): At Extra Time

  • Flora got a bye from the quarterfinals, because Pärnu announced that they will not compete in the 2020 season.

Futsal's Cup[edit]

In 2019 both Võru Helios and Tartu Ravens reached the semifinals for the first time. In the final, title holders Viimsi Smsraha defeated Tallinna Cosmos in front of 277 people. The Futsal Cup's top scorer was Rummu Dünamo's Dmitri Sui with 11 goals.

Quarterfinals Semifinals Final
         
2 Rummu Dünamo 4
1 Viimsi Smsraha 14
1 Viimsi Smsraha 7
3 Rantipol Võru Helios 1
1 Tartu Maksimum 1
3 Rantipol Võru Helios 3
1 Viimsi Smsraha 3
1 Tallinna Cosmos 2
1 Narva United 2
1 Tartu Ravens F.A.S. 4
1 Tartu Ravens F.A.S. 2
1 Tallinna Cosmos 6
1 Sillamäe NPM Silmet 3
1 Tallinna Cosmos 7

Home teams listed on top of bracket. (AET): At Extra Time

Supercups[edit]

23 October 2019 Futsal's SupercupViimsi Smsraha5–6 Tallinna Cosmos Tallinn
19:30
  • Edwin Stüf 25', 29'
  • Artur Bõstrov 30'
  • Oleksandr Sorokin 38'
  • Ervin Stüf 40'
 Report
  • Pavel Rubel 38', 39', 39'
  • Nikita Tšernei 7'
  • Marek Naal 23'
  • Jevgeni Skamnitski 38'
 Stadium: Kristiine Spordihall
Attendance: 137
Referee: Grigori Ošomkov, Andres Jahimaa
1 March 2020 Men's Supercup Tallinna Flora 2–0Narva TransNarva
13:00 Sappinen 6'
Alliku 83' Yellow card 87'		 Report Polyakov Yellow card 35'
Elysée Yellow card 42' Yellow-red card 75'
Sobtšenko Yellow card 77'
Škinjov Yellow card 79'		 Stadium: Kalev-FAMA stadium
Attendance: 681
Referee: Roomer Tarajev
23 May 2020 Women's Supercup Tallinna Flora 5–1Tallinna KalevTallinn
19:00
Report
Stadium: A. le Coq Arena
Attendance: 0
Referee: Reelika Turi
21 June 2020 Beach Football's Supercup Augur Enemat 6–4Thunder ArvutitarkTallinn
 Report
Stadium: Haven Kakumäe

County Competition[edit]

The Estonian County Competition is a league-type competition, where teams from all 15 counties (plus a team from the capital Tallinn) compete to win the title. The competition lasts for 30 years, and each year every team plays only one game. This season's games were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[25]

European competitions[edit]

FC Flora

19 August 2020 (2020-08-19) Champions League Q1 Flora Estonia 1–1 (a.e.t.)
(2–4 p)		 Lithuania Sūduva A. Le Coq Arena, Tallinn
18:30 (19:30 EEST)
Report
Attendance: 0
Referee: Nejc Kajtazović (Slovenia)
Penalties
17 September 2020 (2020-09-17) Europa League Q2 Flora Estonia 2–1 Iceland KR A. Le Coq Arena, Tallinn
18:30 (19:30 EEST)
Report
Attendance: 0
Referee: Sigurd Kringstad (Norway)
24 September 2020 (2020-09-24) Europa League Q3 Floriana Malta 0–0 (a.e.t.)
(2–4 p)		 Estonia Flora National Stadium, Ta' Qali
19:00 Report Attendance: 0
Referee: Irfan Peljto (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Penalties
1 October 2020 (2020-10-01) Europa League play-off Dinamo Zagreb Croatia 3–1 Estonia Flora Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb
19:00
Report
Attendance: 0
Referee: Ali Palabıyık (Turkey)

FCI Levadia

27 August 2020 (2020-08-27) Europa League Q1 B36 Tórshavn Faroe Islands 4–3 (a.e.t.) Estonia FCI Levadia Tórsvøllur, Tórshavn[note 3]
20:00 (19:00 WEST)
Report
Attendance: 0
Referee: Paul McLaughlin (Republic of Ireland)

Nõmme Kalju

10 September 2020 (2020-09-10) Europa League Q1 Nõmme Kalju Estonia 0–4[note 4] Slovenia Mura Szusza Ferenc Stadion, Budapest
19:30 Report
Attendance: 0
Referee: Robert Hennessy (Republic of Ireland)

Paide Linnameeskond

27 August 2020 (2020-08-27) Europa League Q1 Žalgiris Lithuania 2–0 Estonia Paide Linnameeskond LFF Stadium, Vilnius
19:00 (20:00 EEST)
Report Attendance: 0
Referee: Petri Viljanen (Finland)

Rankings

Team Table Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Number of teams
Men's team FIFA Rankings 103 104 108 109 210
UEFA Rankings 51 55
Women's team FIFA Rankings 94 95 159
UEFA Rankings 36 50
Nõmme Kalju (men) UEFA Rankings1 105 200
Flora (men) 143
Flora (women) UEFA Rankings1 51 62
UEFA Rankings2 76 113
Pärnu (women) 91

1Based on last seasons performances.
2Based on last five seasons performances.

Notable transfers[edit]

This list contains the most important player transfers related to the Estonian league system or the national team in the year 2020.

Inside Meistriliiga[edit]

Outside Meistriliiga[edit]

Foreign players[edit]

1 Returned to parent club on 23 July.

Retired players[edit]

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ The match between Estonia and Serbia will be played in Latvia due to travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic between Estonia and Serbia.[2]
  2. ^ Matches originally scheduled to be played on 22 September 2020 were rearranged following postponements to other matches due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe.
  3. ^ B36 Tórshavn will play their home match against FCI Levadia at Tórsvøllur, Tórshavn, instead of their regular stadium Gundadalur, Tórshavn, which did not meet UEFA requirements.
  4. ^ The first qualifying round match between Nõmme Kalju and Mura, originally scheduled to be played on 27 August 2020, 16:30 CEST, at Kadriorg Stadium, Tallinn, was postponed, due to one player from Nõmme Kalju and one player from Mura testing positive for SARS-2 coronavirus, after Meistriliiga and Slovenian PrvaLiga matches on 22 August respectively, and both whole teams being put into quarantine by the Estonian authorities.[26]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Быстров и Березуцкий зарядили молодежку на разгром" (in Russian). sport-express.ru. 9 October 2020. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  2. ^ "U21 koondist ootavad ees valikmäng Venemaal ja kohtumine Serbiaga Lätis". Eesti Jalgpalli Liit. 29 September 2020.
  3. ^ "Eesti - Sloveenia EM-valikmängu teisipäeval ei toimu".
  4. ^ "Belov: me ei lähe Premium liigasse Maardut tegema, vaid võitleme esineliku nimel" (in Estonian). 22 September 2019. Retrieved 22 September 2019.
  5. ^ "Premium liiga jätkub teisipäeval uue formaadiga". EJL (in Estonian). 14 May 2020. Retrieved 18 May 2020.
  6. ^ "Premium liiga viimane ring muutus lühemaks". EJL (in Estonian). 7 November 2020. Retrieved 8 November 2020.
  7. ^ a b c "Eesti 2020.a meistrivõistluste Meistri- ja Esiliiga juhend" (PDF). jalgpall.ee (in Estonian). Estonian Football Association. 29 November 2019. Retrieved 11 January 2020.
  8. ^ a b "Esiliiga ja Esiliiga B peavad enne hooaja jätkumist treeningmänge". EJL (in Estonian). 16 May 2020. Retrieved 18 May 2020.
  9. ^ "Järve alustab hooaega miinuspunktidega". Soccernet.ee (in Estonian). 14 February 2020. Retrieved 15 February 2020.
  10. ^ a b "Finantsraskustes Volta jäi litsentsita" (in Estonian). 11 November 2019. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
  11. ^ "Esiliiga B üleminekumängud võitnud Sillamäe ei saa võlgnevuste tõttu tõusta" (in Estonian). 29 December 2019. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
  12. ^ "Meeste II liiga võitja saab selgeks pühapäeval" (in Estonian). Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  13. ^ "Mullu Moldova tippu juhendanud treener tuli tööle Eesti III liigasse" (in Estonian). 30 June 2020. Retrieved 6 August 2020.
  14. ^ "Naiste meistrivõistlustel alustab 12-liikmeline Esiliiga". EJL (in Estonian). 19 February 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  15. ^ "Eesti 2020. a naiste jalgpalli meistrivõistluste juhend" (PDF). jalgpall.ee (in Estonian). Estonian Football Association. 29 November 2019. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  16. ^ "Betsafe Saaliliigas alustab tiitliheitlust kaheksa meeskonda". October 2019. Retrieved 9 January 2020.
  17. ^ "Saalijalgpalli esiliiga võitis Narva Unitedi duubelmeeskond". EJL (in Estonian). 10 February 2020. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  18. ^ "Ikkagi viiekesi: Põltsamaa naised lõid käed Tartu SK 10-ga". 2 November 2019. Retrieved 10 January 2020.
  19. ^ "SUUREPÄRANE! Coolbet rannaliiga ühendab Eesti ja Läti paremiku!" (in Estonian). Retrieved 9 July 2020.
  20. ^ "Coolbet rannaliiga võitis SK Augur Enemat" (in Estonian). Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  21. ^ "Coolbet RannaLiigad alustasid Pärnus coolilt! Meistriliiga ja Esiliiga tulemused" (in Estonian). Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  22. ^ "Rannajalgpalli Esiliigas võttis võidu jällegi All-Stars, kuid tabeliseis muutus põnevaks!" (in Estonian). Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  23. ^ "BSC Chromtex võitis Esiliiga kolmanda etapi!" (in Estonian). Retrieved 18 December 2020.
  24. ^ "Coolbet RannaLiiga hooaja ESILIIGA arvestuses võitis meeskond BSC CHROMTEX" (in Estonian). Retrieved 18 December 2020.
  25. ^ "Maakondade heitlused toimuvad taas 2021. aastal" (in Estonian). Retrieved 6 August 2020.
  26. ^ "Valitsus ei andnud Nõmme Kalju euromänguks eriluba, kohtumine jääb ära" [Government did not issue special permit for Nõmme Kalju's European match, the match will be canceled] (in Estonian). Sport.err.ee. 27 August 2020.
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