Lithuanian Basketball Federation president Mindaugas Balčiūnas resigns

Mindaugas Balčiūnas has resigned as the president of the Lithuanian Basketball Federation. In a statement shared via social media, Balčiūnas cited a level of public aggression and tension that had become difficult to tolerate for himself and those in his immediate environment.

He announced that he would suspend his duties starting Monday and transfer his responsibilities to the federation's vice president in accordance with the organization's statutes. Balčiūnas stated he hopes this decision will help de-escalate the current crisis and allow the basketball community to refocus on on-court success.

The resignation follows a period of significant turmoil within Lithuanian basketball, including poor results from the men's national team during World Cup qualifiers. Additionally, the federation has faced scandal following FIBA's five-year suspension and fine of former women's national team coach Rimantas Grigas for inappropriate sexual behavior toward players.