2013 02 13

Following Ūkio Bankas freeze, BC Žalgiris Kaunas unable to pay its players

There's no panic at BC Žalgiris, despite troubles that befell a bank that was the club's main sponsor, says Žalgiris sports director Vitoldas Masalskis. Both the club and Ūkio Bankas, the bank that had its operations halted by Lithuania's central bank on Tuesday, are owned by businessman Vladimir Romanov.
Mario Delašas
Mario Delaš / Eriko Ovčarenko / BNS nuotr.

"Ūkio Bankas was the main sponsor of Žalgiris. Following the loss of the main sponsor, the situation remains unclear. Players' wages were late and money was transferred to our account yesterday. It was the money that got stuck," Masalskis told journalists ahead of Žalgiris morning training session.

"But there's no panic, although people want to spark it. The situation around wages being late is not very good but the thing I like most is that players are showing solidarity and there's no panic in the team. Everyone is thinking about the match against Bamberg and I don't see any internal tragedy in the club," he said.

According to Masalskis, attempts will be made "to invite county businessmen to become the club's shareholders." "Romanov is likely to remain the club's sponsor," the sports director said.

On Thursday, Žalgiris is scheduled to play against Brose Baskets Bamberg.

Ūkio Bankas went into temporary state administration on Tuesday after the Bank of Lithuania decided to restrict its activities.

Report mistake

Successfully sent

Thank you

Economy

Lithuanian producers of EPS on the way to circular economy
Gilužio Rivjera by the real estate company Homa – hundreds of apartments and millions in investment
Capitalica fund successfully issued bonds amounting to EUR 5 million to finance the Verde project in Riga

Feature

State Progress Strategy 'Lithuania 2050': will Lithuania become the 'Silicon Valley' of social enterprise?
Citus Experts: Planning to Furbish or Brush Up your Home Interior? Get Ready for a Brutal Run
How do the country's most desirable employers nurture IT talents?

Opinion

Ramūnas Vilpišauskas. The president’s achievements in Brussels were modest
Laurynas Jonavičius. Will the new German government’s foreign policy coincide with Lithuanian interests?
Eastern Partnership ‘beyond westlessness’: a new momentum for the European integration

Politics

Taiwanese Minister Ming-hsin Kung – about Lithuania’s strengths and the two countries’ looming plans
The double standards of “values-based policy”: Lithuania did not join the condemnation of Turkey
Behind the scenes of ambassadorial appointments: Seimas looking for clarification on continuing questioning at the Presidential Palace