Latvian Basketball Federation asks ministries to review Kalnītis agency case

The Latvian Basketball Federation (LBS) has formally contacted Latvia's Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs over a case involving the "BSA Basketball" agency, run by Latvian citizen Artūrs Kalnītis. Over recent weeks it emerged that three of the agency's clients had signed contracts with clubs in Russia, the aggressor state.

When contacted by a sports news outlet, Kalnītis declined to comment on his agency's operations. Two Latvian national team players who are also "BSA Basketball" clients, Rihards Lomažs and Roberts Blūmbergs, addressed the issue during the national team's media day.

Federation condemns the practice

In its statement, the LBS recalled that since the war began it has cut all cooperation with Russian basketball organizations and has supported colleagues in Ukraine. The federation noted there is no international consensus on the issue, pointing out that some athletes from the US and certain EU countries continue working professionally at Russian clubs.

The LBS said it condemns such practice, adding that it is particularly regrettable that several athletes signed contracts through an agency whose board member is a Latvian citizen, even though the agency itself is registered in the United Arab Emirates. The federation has therefore asked the Justice and Foreign Affairs Ministries to clarify the legal aspects of the situation, including in the context of sanctions imposed by the European Union and Latvia.

According to the LETA news agency, Latvia's State Security Service is currently also reviewing the matter.