Anastasija Samoilova criticizes Latvian Volleyball Federation over funding

Latvian beach volleyball player Anastasija Samoilova has publicly criticized the Latvian Volleyball Federation (LVF) for a lack of financial support for beach volleyball athletes. Despite Samoilova and partner Tina Graudina recently winning bronze at the European Championships and maintaining a high world ranking, Samoilova claims the LVF provides 0 € in direct funding to the beach volleyball teams, including men's and youth categories.

In response to the federation's claims that beach volleyball is funded through other channels, Samoilova clarified that funding from the Latvian Olympic Unit (LOV) is distinct from LVF support. She noted that while LOV covers salaries, training camps, and medical expenses based on athletic performance, the LVF fails to show initiative in supporting players, particularly juniors.

Samoilova also raised questions regarding the allocation of approximately 700,000 € in beach volleyball support and noted that even after winning the Nations Cup, the men's team had to cover expenses using prize money because the LVF did not cover costs. She highlighted that the federation even declined to pay for their coach's tickets to the European Championships earlier this season.