At the special conference, M. Balčiūnas initially presented all the figures of the previous term – LKF money, achieved results and future direction of work.
General budget for 2021 3.150 million eur., – in 2024 – 5.03 million euro Not only that, this year LKF received a much more solid amount from sponsors – in 2021. 300 thousand eur., and in 2024 – 1.2 million euro
After the question of money, M. Balčiūnas also drew attention to his upcoming election program, where he singled out the most important elements: priorities will be set for development and strengthening – modernization of the player training system, making national team programs more effective, fundamental renovation of Lithuanian basketball, strengthening of the further system of the girls-women’s basketball system, commercial development.
After the formal part, M. Balčiūnas answered the essential questions. Portal on Sunday basketnews.lt published an investigation into the LKF election system, where some non-performing companies will have the right to vote in the upcoming federation elections on September 17.
True, after the meeting, which took place on Monday, M. Balčiūnas revealed that 11 members were removed from the association and their right to vote was taken away.
“I will repeat – the number of LKF members is constantly changing. So that there is no control, there is none. One of the control mechanisms is tax.
11 members were expelled. The number of (voting) for the upcoming LKF elections is 150 entities that are full members. I think this issue is under control. Signals come from the public space to which we respond. Those clubs that are deregistered do not carry out real activities, they really do not live in the formal life of the federation”, said M. Balčiūnas.
In the “Delfi” show, M. Balčiūnas called the research text of basketnews.lt “commissioned”.
Does the LKF General Secretary have evidence?
“We have indications that it is being acted not completely honestly. We have some requests from various structures, we see that complaints are written. We do not think that this is a normal practice of those people who want good for Lithuanian basketball. I think that public discussion, argumentation, analysis – this is the path that we have to promote.
I react very well to criticism. Everything is in order. There are many inaccurate facts, I will not go into them, because I do not read commissioned and commercial articles and do not have time to read them.
I appreciated the general background. There was a time when we could talk about it, but then suddenly the election comes and everyone is so interested in the members. Members are constantly being removed, maybe you (journalists – ed.) just don’t have that interest. Why hyperbolize this situation? I don’t know. I have some suspicions. It is possible to ask the federation itself, where the answers will be provided”, said M. Balčiūnas.
M.Balčiūnas himself has mentioned more than once that such a stir before the upcoming LKF elections surprised him.
But maybe this is a sign that the election system for the head of the LKF needs to be changed?
“You know, the law of association is what it is. We don’t adjust it. Associations are a mandatory form of the FIBA system. We have to follow that law and regulation. I don’t think that formal legal changes somehow determine the results of basketball. I am talking about the fact that three years ago the same system was in place, but there was no such concern.
I ask why? I have not seen that you (journalists) watch the activities of each member so diligently, argue, reflect… but about changing the system – this matter does not depend on me alone,” said M. Balčiūnas.
M.Balčiūnas also said that there is no exact name that will take over the helm of the Lithuanian men’s basketball team.
“I think that both you (journalists) and us (the federation) have the same names in mind. Several discussions and meetings are taking place. The decision will not be taken hastily, although, of course, it must be prepared even before the elections. It is happening now”, said M. Balčiūnas.
– You mentioned that you helped Robert Javtoks finish his studies in England. How did that help manifest itself?
– This matter is overemphasized. I will say that this is the general opinion of both me and the entire basketball federation – everyone needs to be helped. We help a number of famous basketball players with their post-career integration. We take care of everyone. Yes, it sounded like it was helped excessively, but still – it was helped.
– Maybe you can specify how you helped?
– There was an offsetting of informal competences, which greatly facilitated his path. It’s not easy, you really have to work, but Robert’s career achievements were such that we were able to prove to the university committee that it was equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. We are very happy about it.
Now he is also studying basketball in Klaipėda. I myself motivate them to pursue education. I think that every basketball player should take care of his future.
– Where do LKF requests come from?
– We have received inquiries and inspections from various structures that are atypical. Documentation and so on. LKF’s activities are so public that reports are available online.
This indicates the creation of certain artificial solutions. That is why the articles (refers to basketnews.lt text – ed.) are surprising. We have to focus on the basketball, not the decisions made under the table. Basketball is a social phenomenon where there are many interests.
– You mentioned that you don’t read commissioned articles, but you claim that you do basketnews.lt is the article on demand?
– I don’t say so. I do not read commercial content. Content is one-way, our mechanism works constantly: removing and accepting members. There was a suggestion from some members of the executive committee not to heat up the atmosphere and refrain from accepting some members. Those members will be accepted in September, which basically does not change any decision.
– In your opinion, people who have private interests in voting in the LKF elections should refrain from voting? Would it not be ethical that those people who are now working with you in the federation, and at the same time others working with R. Javtok, should not have the right to vote?
– You know, I don’t know who would vote then. In principle, all basketball entities participate. If we look at it, all entities that are members of the association participate in the student league, so they should withdraw now? No. A question without an answer.
I don’t know if it should be emphasized here. These are multiple vowels. If they participate in the system, if they follow the rules… it’s turning a fly into an elephant. Those votes do not determine anything. Let there be only those who want to participate and resolve matters in the basketball system. Then everyone would have something to do.
– Will Vydas Gedvilas be with you in the candidate team?
– The team is determined by the statutes. And a few names that will be vice presidents… I’m still looking, persuading. You see, behind all the negative background… not all people agree to help. Who would want to be in the crosshairs, living quietly?
– Have you chosen a person who will take the position of general secretary in your team?
– I am talking to three applicants, but, you see, that background paints a perspective. Based on this, people will decide who they want and who they don’t want (to work – ed.). This is the hot seat.
– In the last term, you searched for a presidential candidate for a long time. What changed that made you decide to go into this position yourself? What are the advantages of the position of President over the position of Secretary General?
– You see, the president sounds very loud. In fact, it is the director of the company. If you want to take full responsibility for the development of the company, the entire development of the activity, you have to go that way. The FIBA system is different.
There, the general secretary is the director. I would say that this (change – ed.) should be thought about, because the president could be a symbolic person who would represent.
It is not the name of the presidency that attracts me, but the opportunity to do it. For example – you go to Asia – there everyone wants to talk to the person who puts the signature, not the person who comes and says that he will go to convince something else. This is a formal, legal specification.
– In the practices of European basketball federations, the presidents are former famous basketball players: Nikola Pekovičius, Predrag Daniloviću, Jose Garbajosa. Won’t it be more difficult for you to be recognized at an international level?
– The most successful federations have successful managers. France, for many years Spain had a non-basketball player that I knew very well.
USA lets famous basketball players lead. Because of that, we talked with Robert (Javtok) that he needs to take some kind of basketball program. I have talked to him several times, offered and still offer.
Aplami – I suggest rethinking the decision, sitting down at the table to talk, I am very open, all our members are open. But… you know… there should be other provisions. Not to go to war with someone, but to help basketball.
– Continuing on conflicts of interest – what is the relationship between your IBU university and LKF? No cooperation agreement signed?
– None. No, stop it.
– This business of yours does not earn you anything?
– This is not a business. It is a non-profit organization. Only when I came to the LKF, the executive committee was informed that I would develop activities in the IBU. There were no objectionable people then. This was an activity that existed before the LKF and will continue.
– Last year, the Lithuanian national team went to Taiwan, where the IBU went with an event that also took place in Taiwan.
– The departure of the national team was determined by IBU contacts. That’s where a lot of support comes in. The list of partners, especially in Asia, is very extensive.
2024-08-21 17:27:21