A two-year legal battle between Lithuania’s Olympic committee (LTOK) and four national sports federations has concluded with a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) finding the LTOK’s actions unlawful and discriminatory.The dispute stemmed from the LTOK’s decision in early 2025 to withhold funding from the Lithuanian Tennis Union, Athletics Federation, Cycling Federation, and Biathlon Federation after thay voiced concerns regarding the committee’s governance. CAS has ordered the LTOK to reinstate the €40,000 in funding to each federation, alongside covering substantial legal costs and compensation, a decision that underscores the importance of due process within Olympic sporting bodies and raises questions about transparency in Lithuanian sports governance.
A dispute between Lithuania’s Olympic Committee (LTOK) and four national sports federations has escalated, resulting in a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) that found the LTOK’s actions to be unlawful and discriminatory. The case highlights the importance of fair governance and transparency within national Olympic organizations, issues that can impact athlete development and international sporting relations.
The Lithuanian Tennis Union, Lithuanian Athletics Federation, Lithuanian Cycling Federation, and Lithuanian Biathlon Federation jointly appealed to Lithuania’s President, Speaker of the Seimas (Parliament), Government, Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, Committees on Education and Science, Legal Affairs, Youth and Sports, and Anti-Corruption Commission, as well as directly to the LTOK, seeking resolution. They are now urging the LTOK to swiftly comply with the CAS decision.
CAS has ordered the LTOK to reinstate funding of €40,000 to each of the four federations, cover a significant portion of the legal costs incurred, and provide compensation of over €1,000 to each federation for litigation expenses.
LTOK Decisions Deemed Unlawful and Discriminatory
The conflict began in February 2025, when the LTOK Executive Committee unanimously issued warnings to the four federations, alleging actions against the LTOK. Less than two weeks later, at the LTOK General Assembly, 46 out of 60 members voted to withhold the annual €40,000 in funding typically allocated to Olympic sports federations. The federations then appealed to CAS, the highest international authority for sports disputes.
After nearly two years of proceedings, CAS ruled in favor of the federations, overturning the decisions made by both the LTOK Executive Committee and the General Assembly.
“The National Olympic Committee committed discriminatory, punitive, and retaliatory violations, grossly violating its statutes, Lithuanian laws, and the Olympic Charter. The LTOK must compensate us for the funds we lost unfairly,” said Eimantas Skrabulis, President of the Lithuanian Athletics Federation. “This organization does not communicate with its community, it divides it, so we had to go to court to force the LTOK to act democratically and legally. I hope this CAS decision will make the LTOK reconsider its approach, because although justice has been restored, the reputational damage to Lithuania is very significant.”
CAS found that the warning issued by the LTOK Executive Committee lacked legal basis and was unlawful, as the LTOK failed to demonstrate any specific harm or violation caused by the federations. Furthermore, CAS emphasized that withholding the €40,000 in funding constituted unlawful discrimination. The removal of funding was considered a punitive and retaliatory measure directed against LTOK members.
CAS also rejected the LTOK’s argument that the majority vote to withhold funding justified the action, stating that the LTOK’s statutes prohibit any form of discrimination. Lithuania’s Civil Code also prohibits decisions by a majority that target specific members for expressing legitimate opinions on matters of public interest.
CAS declined the federations’ request to compel the LTOK to convene a new General Assembly meeting to revise the 2025 budget, citing that such a directive would exceed its authority.
Loss of Funds Impacted Athletes
Following the favorable court ruling last week, the federations have formally requested the LTOK to promptly implement the CAS decision. They have expressed willingness to cooperate and seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
“The General Assembly’s decision was beyond reason. It’s regrettable for colleagues, other federation leaders, who voted, but smaller federations are simply intimidated and afraid to ask uncomfortable questions,” said Arūnas Daugirdas, President of the Lithuanian Biathlon Federation. “We heard arguments that the withheld funds were not for athletes, but for administration – another bluff by the Olympic Committee. Those funds directly contribute to athlete preparation. The pre-Olympic year was difficult, and we really felt the lack of those funds. Of course, this harmed the athletes – we had to shorten training camps and choose more modest conditions.”
In addition to reinstating the funding, the LTOK is required to cover 80% of the arbitration costs, with the federations responsible for the remaining 20%. The specific amount is yet to be determined and will be communicated to both parties. The LTOK must also pay each federation a litigation expense compensation of 1,000 Swiss francs.
Last week, the LTOK Executive Committee resolved to propose a revised 2025 budget to the General Assembly, which would include activity support for the four sports federations – €40,000 each, totaling €160,000. The General Assembly is scheduled to convene on March 6.
LTOK: “Actions Have Already Been Taken”
The LTOK spokesperson, Patricija Uziene, provided a statement regarding the situation.
“LTOK respects the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and has already taken steps to ensure that future decisions are made in accordance with LTOK statutes and the clarifications provided by the court.
The court confirmed in its decision that LTOK operates as an independent association, and decisions regarding its budget are within the competence of the General Assembly.
Therefore, on January 22, the LTOK Executive Committee supplemented the agenda of the upcoming General Assembly with a discussion of the 2025 budget.
The General Assembly will consider a revised 2025 budget on March 6, which would include activity support for four sports federations (€40,000 each, totaling €160,000).”
