Slovenian basketballer's move to Lithuanian club sparks controversy

Lithuania's Basketball League (LKL) newcomer club 'Tauragė' has signed a contract with Slovenian basketball player Matic Rebec, triggering a controversial reaction.

At the center of the dispute is the fact that after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Rebec played for a period with a Russian basketball club. That chapter of his career has now become the main point of criticism surrounding his move to the Lithuanian team.

Lithuania is among the most outspoken critics of Russian policy in the region and has been a strong supporter of Ukraine in its war against Russian aggression, which is why news of a partnership with a player linked to a Russian club has sparked sharp debate within the sports community.

Further details are not yet known, including how long Rebec played for the Russian club or how 'Tauragė' has explained its decision to sign him.