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2026-09-15 12:55 UTC → 2026-09-15 16:14 UTC ·
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Lithuanian Basketball Association leadership crisis and coaching resignations
Mindaugas Balčiūnas has resigned from his position as president of The leadership crisis within the Lithuanian Basketball Association (ALK/LKF). In his initial announcement, Balčiūnas cited an intolerable level of “public aggression and tension” (ALK/LKF) has expanded to include the men’s national team coaching staff. Rimas Kurtinaitis has resigned as head coach, a decision accompanied by the primary reason for departure of his departure, stating entire coaching collective. Kurtinaitis stated he hoped the decision would help de-escalate believes it is the current crisis. The resignation follows “appropriate time to depart” to ensure a period of instability characterized by poor performances from new staff has enough time to prepare for the men’s national upcoming World Cup qualifying window. During his nearly two-year tenure, Kurtinaitis led the team and to a scandal involving former women’s national fifth-place finish at the European Championship. The team coach Rimantas Grigas, who faced a FIBA suspension for inappropriate behavior toward players. Subsequent reports indicate that Balčiūnas faced significant pressure from prominent figures currently sits fourth in its qualifying group with four wins after eight games, with four matches remaining in the basketball community, including representatives from Kaunas Žalgiris cycle. The association’s administrative instability continues following the resignation of president Mindaugas Balčiūnas, who cited “public aggression and Panevėžys Lietkabelis. His departure also involved questions regarding financial transparency. Balčiūnas has transferred tension” as his responsibilities reason for leaving. Responsibilities have been handed to the Remigijus Milašius. The LKF intends to select a new head coach once the election of a new association president is finalized, aiming to complete the Lithuanian Basketball League, Remigijus Milašius, while process before the Executive Committee prepares to schedule new presidential elections. next qualifying window begins.